Proposals for post-16 English and maths qualifications published
11 March 2026
Following the announcement in the government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, a consultation has been launched on post-16 Level 1 qualifications in English and maths. These new qualifications will be targeted at students with lower attainment in English or maths (GCSE grade 2 or below).
The DfE says the qualifications will be a ‘stepping stone’ to better prepare students for GCSE resits: “The new qualifications will enable students to consolidate the key foundational skills and knowledge needed to pass the GCSE and help ensure that students only re-take exams when they are ready to make progress”.
Views on the design and delivery of the proposed 16 to 19 English and maths qualifications are sought in the consultation alongside other areas such as:
- Which students would benefit most from these qualifications?
- What opportunities do the proposed qualifications present for 16-19 year old students?
- What are the challenges for students to complete the qualification within one year before moving to GCSE?
- Should the qualifications adopt a modular or linear structure?
- How should they be graded?
A first-teach date has not yet been confirmed with the DfE recognising some interdependency with reformed GCSEs in English and maths. Consultations setting out proposals for reformed GCSEs in English and maths are expected in the autumn.