Post-16 pathways: implementation plan
Sets out how wethe willchanges deliverwe reformsare making to the technical and vocational qualifications availablea to young peopleperson can choose from the age 16.of 16 will be delivered.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This implementation plan outlines morefurther details of the reforms set out in the Post-16 level 3 and below pathways: government consultation response.
ItThe includesDepartment informationfor onEducation howwill weintroduce a third, vocational pathway at level 3, creating V Level qualifications. V Levels will introduce:sit alongside A levels and T Levels, offering a vocational alternative to these academic and technical routes.
- V
WeLevels willintroduce22,providingaclearlineofsighttobothfurtherstudyatlevel3Certificates)and OccupationalskilledCertificates)employment(OccupationalCertificates).Wewillalsointroduce
ItThe plan is aimed at partners involved in delivering the skills system, including:
- post-16 education and training providers
- awarding organisations
- higher
higher-educationeducation providers - local and strategic authorities
- employers
- schools
- providers of careers information, advice and guidance
Updates to this page
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We have made significant updates throughout the implementation plan. These include updates on new milestones for content development, changes to planned subjects, and the removal of qualifications approved for funding. We have outlined the changes more fully in the ‘What has changed – September 2026 update’ section. We have also updated the visual version of the implementation timeline.
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Updated 'Post-16 pathways: implementation plan' to state that Ofqual expects the accreditation process for recognised awarding organisations to begin in autumn 2026.
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Updated the 'Subject content and qualification development' section in the 'Post-16 pathways: implementation plan'.
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The deadline for providers to submit their strategic transition planning statements has passed. Late submissions must be made as soon as possible.
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First published.
Update history
2026-09-17 15:30
We have made significant updates throughout the implementation plan. These include updates on new milestones for content development, changes to planned subjects, and the removal of qualifications approved for funding. We have outlined the changes more fully in the ‘What has changed – September 2026 update’ section. We have also updated the visual version of the implementation timeline.
2026-07-17 15:47
Updated ‘Post-16 pathways: implementation plan’ to state that Ofqual expects the accreditation process for recognised awarding organisations to begin in autumn 2026.
2026-07-16 09:30
Updated the ‘Subject content and qualification development’ section in the ‘Post-16 pathways: implementation plan’.
2026-07-07 09:30
The deadline for providers to submit their strategic transition planning statements has passed. Late submissions must be made as soon as possible.
2026-05-20 09:30
First published.