The Department for Education’s Post-16 Pathways Implementation Plan sets out further information on the government’s reformed post-16 landscape which will be available for first teaching from September 2027.

Intended for anyone involved in the planning or delivery of 16 to 19 study programmes, the Implementation Plan aims to support transition to new V Levels and post-16 Level 2 Certificates (Foundation and Occupational) alongside A Levels and T Levels.

Key information outlined in the Post-16 Implementation Plan includes: 

• Tranche 1 subjects confirmed for 2027: 
• V Levels
  - Accounting and Finance
  - Digital Systems and Data
  - Education 
• Foundation Certificates
  - Digital Systems and Data
  - Education and Early Years 
• Occupational Certificates
  - Early Years Practitioner
  - Culinary Skills
  - Hospitality.  
  
  
• Content: Final subject content for Tranche 1 subjects is expected to be published in July 2026 following current consultation.  Tranche 2, 3 and 4 subjects will be confirmed later following further subject scoping and consultation. 
  
• Assessment and grading: The design of the new Tranche 1 qualifications will be confirmed in September 2026 when, following current consultation, Ofqual will publish the regulatory requirements. 
• Size: V Levels will be the same size as a single A Level.  Students will be able to take V Levels in multiple subjects and in combination with other qualifications.
• Partnering: The DfE is considering whether to allow V Levels to be “partnered” with another V Level in the same subject area – in a similar way to how A Levels in Maths and Further Maths can be taken together.  This partnering will not apply to Tranche 1 subjects. 
• Pioneers: Regional qualification “pioneers” are confirmed – expert practitioners who will help providers to develop and implement transition plans and model effective practice, supporting implementation and sector readiness for the new qualifications.  All post-16 providers planning to deliver vocational or technical qualifications must submit a Transition Planning Statement by 6 July 2026. 
• Progression: The DfE is working with UCAS and universities to ensure V Level content can support access to Higher Education. 
• Awarding Organisation model: The DfE does not intend to use a contracted Awarding Organisation model such as single licensing for the new qualifications.  As with General Qualifications, Ofqual regulation will determine which Awarding Organisations can deliver new V Levels, Foundation and Occupational Certificates.  
• T Levels: The Post-16 Implementation Plan also covers T Levels and, following review, some changes have been made to the introduction of T Level subjects and industry placements.  In addition, existing T Level provision will transition away from exclusive single Awarding Organisation licences and towards an Ofqual-regulated market model.