Ofqual is consulting on the introduction of criteria that Awarding Organisations must meet in order to deliver three new types of qualifications for post-16 students: V Levels, Foundation Certificates, and Occupational Certificates from September 2027.  

Ofqual says that delivering national qualifications is a demanding, complex endeavour. It requires mature systems and processes, sophisticated expertise, and the capability to deliver at scale.  The proposed criteria for recognition to award these new post-16 qualifications aim to set the bar high for Awarding Organisations and only organisations with “proven capacity, capability and governance” will be able to offer these national qualifications.

The consultation concerns the first tranche of the new qualifications covering a small number of subjects for first teach in September 2027. All Awarding Organisations will have the opportunity during the first phase to better understand Ofqual’s requirements and to develop the expertise, systems, processes and governance they will need to apply for recognition in later tranches.

The consultation closes on 23 April 2026.