Ofqual has published a consultation on proposals for the future regulation of post-16 qualifications at Level 2 and below.  

This consultation focuses on the first groups of Level 2 and below qualifications – those that are designed to lead to employment - that will be approved in the new post-16 landscape.   These first groups will be available for delivery from September 2025, with other Level 2 and below qualifications being phased in for first teaching in September 2026 and September 2027.

Proposals include requiring Awarding Organisations to develop and adhere to an assessment strategy setting out the approach to the design, development, delivery and award of these qualifications.

The consultation follows both the Government’s response to its earlier consultation which set out the groups of qualifications that it would fund from September 2025, and also the steer from the Department for Education to Ofqual on the future regulation of Level 2 and below qualifications.  

The reform of Level 2 and below qualifications is part of the DfE’s review of post-16 qualifications aiming to streamline the qualifications landscape, creating clear choices and pathways by funding qualifications that are “high quality, with a distinct purpose and supporting progression to positive outcomes”.