Policy paper

Post-16 education and skills white paper

Post-16 education and skills reforms to develop a skilled workforce and break down barriers to opportunity.

• From: Department for Education, Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Published: 20 October 2025
• Last updated: 21 November 2025 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Post-16 education and skills white paper

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-5771-6, E03371301, CP 1412

HTML

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Post-16 education and skills white paper (PDF version)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-5771-6, CP 1412

PDF, 751 KB, 72 pages

Post-16 education and skills white paper (print version)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-5771-6, CP 1412

PDF, 884 KB, 76 pages

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Details

This document outlines reforms to the post-16 education and skills system in England to:

• meet the needs of the economy
• close skills gaps
• support growth

It is aimed at partners involved in delivering the skills system, including:

• post-16 education and training providers
• local and strategic authorities
• employers
• individual learners

It also sets out reforms to higher education teaching and research.

Published 20 October 2025

Last updated 21 November 2025 + show all updates

1. 21 November 2025

   Added HTML version of Post-16 education and skills white paper.

2. 20 October 2025

   First published.