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Consultation outcome

Post-16 level 3 and below pathways

From:
Department for Education
Published
20 October 2025
Last updated
20 May 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Post-16 level 3 and below pathways: government response

PDF, 1.71 MB, 57 pages

Post-16 level 3 and below pathways: equality impact assessment

PDF, 1.42 MB, 25 pages

Detail of outcome

A summary of responses received and the government’s response to the consultation and next steps.

We have created the Post-16 pathways: implementation plan as a result of this consultation.

Original consultation

Summary

We're seeking views on the design and implementation of a third, vocational pathway at level 3 and two new pathways at level 2 in post-16 education.

This consultation was held on another website.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking feedback on the planned design and implementation of the new pathways for 16 to 19-year-olds announced in the Post-16 education and skills white paper, including:

  • a third, vocational pathway at level 3: creating  V Level qualifications. V Levels will sit alongside A levels and T Levels and will offer a vocational alternative to these academic and technical routes
  • two new pathways at level 2: simplifying the current offer and providing a clear line of sight to both further study at level 3 and skilled employment through the Further Study pathway and Occupational pathway

Updates to this page

Published 20 October 2025
Last updated 20 May 2026 show all updates

  1. Removed the 'Transition plan: to the reformed 16 to 19 qualifications landscape' and added a link to the 'Post-16 pathways: implementation plan'.

  2. We have published the consultation outcome.

  3. First published.

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