Consultation outcome

Post-16 level 3 and below pathways

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 20 October 2025
• Last updated: 10 March 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

Transition plan: to the reformed 16 to 19 qualifications landscape

HTML

Detail of outcome

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

---

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
5pm on 20 October 2025 to 11:59pm on 12 January 2026

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

Published 20 October 2025

Last updated 10 March 2026 + show all updates

1. 10 March 2026

   We have published the consultation outcome.

2. 20 October 2025

   First published.