Level 2 and the reformed post‑16 landscape: FAQs

Level 2 qualifications form part of the reformed post‑16 landscape and are intended to support learners who are not yet ready to progress directly to Level 3 study or skilled employment.

• Level 2 Foundation Certificates are intended to support progression to Level 3 study, helping learners build knowledge, confidence and essential skills. They are typically delivered as shorter, one year programmes for learners who are not yet ready to progress directly to Level 3.
• Level 2 Occupational Certificates are more directly aligned to specific occupations or sectors and may support progression into employment, apprenticeships or further training. They are larger, more substantial qualifications, likely to be delivered over two years in a full‑time study programme.

Level 2 Foundation Certificates

• focus on preparation, confidence‑building and progression
• often used as a stepping stone to further study, including Level 3 pathways.

Level 2 Occupational Certificates

• more specific to an occupation or sector
• may support progression into work, training or further technical study
• closer alignment to employer‑relevant knowledge and skills.

Both qualifications support progression but serve different learner needs.

Level 2 Foundation Certificates are intended for learners who may need additional preparation to progress successfully to Level 3 study.

They play an important role in supporting inclusive progression routes within post‑16 provision, including alongside GCSE English and maths resits where required.

Level 2 Occupational Certificates are intended for learners who want to progress towards a specific occupation or sector.

They focus on building applied knowledge and skills that may support progression into employment, apprenticeships or further technical study.

Level 2 qualifications are recognised as an important part of the transition and progression landscape alongside V Levels and other Level 3 pathways.

Government reform recognises that:

• not all learners are ready for Level 3 at age 16
• high‑quality Level 2 provision can help learners progress over time
• providers need flexible pathways to support diverse learner needs.

No. Level 2 qualifications do not replace GCSE English and maths resit requirements, which continue to apply in line with national policy.

However, Level 2 study may sit alongside GCSE resits and help learners to:

• remain engaged in education
• develop practical and transferable skills
• progress towards future pathways.

Level 2 Foundation Certificates may support progression into V Levels or other Level 3 pathways, subject to:

• the learner’s achievement profile
• provider entry requirements
• the learner’s readiness for Level 3 study.

Providers are expected to take a holistic view of readiness rather than relying on a single qualification outcome.

Funding eligibility for Level 2 qualifications is determined through national policy and approvals processes.

Providers should:

• refer to current funding guidance
• monitor updates from the DfE and awarding organisations
• consider how Level 2 provision supports their overall post‑16 strategy.

Level 2 qualifications should be considered as part of a phased, multi‑year approach to reform.

Effective planning considers:

• learner cohorts who are not Level 3‑ready
• progression routes over time
• workforce capacity and curriculum sequencing
• how Level 2 pathways connect to V Levels, A Levels, T Levels or apprenticeships.

Based on published Department for Education information, the following Level 2 subjects are included in tranche 1 for first teach 2027:

• Level 2 Foundation Certificates: Digital Systems and Data, and Education and Early Years.
• Level 2 Occupational Certificates: Culinary Skills, Early Years Practitioner, and Hospitality.