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Guidance

Post-16 pathways: implementation plan

Sets out how we will deliver reforms to the technical and vocational qualifications available to young people from age 16.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Education
Published:
20 May 2026
Last updated:
17 September 2026
Show all updates

  1. We have made significant updates throughout the implementation plan. These include updates on new milestones for content development, changes to planned subjects, and the removal of qualifications approved for funding. We have outlined the changes more fully in the ‘What has changed – September 2026 update’ section. We have also updated the visual version of the implementation timeline.

  2. Updated 'Post-16 pathways: implementation plan' to state that Ofqual expects the accreditation process for recognised awarding organisations to begin in autumn 2026.

  3. Updated the 'Subject content and qualification development' section in the 'Post-16 pathways: implementation plan'.

  4. The deadline for providers to submit their strategic transition planning statements has passed. Late submissions must be made as soon as possible.

  5. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Post-16 pathways: implementation plan

HTML

Post-16 pathway qualifications implementation timeline – visual version

PDF, 871 KB, 2 pages

National policy environment for post-16 pathway qualifications

PDF, 233 KB, 1 page

Details

This implementation plan outlines more details of the reforms set out in the Post-16 level 3 and below pathways: government consultation response.

It includes information on how we will introduce:

  • V Levels
  • new pathways at level 2 (Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates)
  • T Levels in new subject areas

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

  • post-16 education and training providers
  • awarding organisations
  • higher education providers
  • local and strategic authorities
  • employers
  • schools
  • providers of careers information, advice and guidance

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