New options explained
From September 2027, post-16 students will have access to new qualifications designed to provide clear routes into further study, training, higher education and skilled employment.
Every young person is different, and these qualifications are designed to give students clear choices that match their strengths, interests and ambitions.
The new pathways are designed to help young people develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to progress into further study and future careers.
young people have different strengths, interests and ambitions.
Clear routes: every young person deserves a clear path to success.
Young people should be able to see where their choices could lead. The new post-16 pathways provide clearer routes into further study, apprenticeships, higher education and skilled employment.
Valued pathways: every route matters.
Academic, technical and vocational pathways will be valued equally, recognising different talents and strengths and giving young people confidence that their chosen route matters.
Strong progression: supporting every step into the future
Qualifications are designed to help young people to progress and move forward towards further learning, apprenticeships, university or employment.
Skills for future careers: building skills, confidence and opportunity.
Designed with employers and higher education, these qualifications help young people gain knowledge, skills and experience needed for higher level study and skilled jobs in a changing economy.
Mix Technical with Academic or Vocational.
Build qualifications to suit you.
Alongside A Levels (academic) and T Levels (technical), the new vocational qualifications called V Levels will become available, offering students a vocational, high-quality route to future opportunities.
T Levels = Technical
Learn skills for a career path. T Levels are a mix of classroom learning and industry placement.
Progression can lead to higher education, apprenticeships or jobs.
These qualifications are designed with employers and recognised by the industry.
What could your T Level combination look like? Check out a few examples.
V Levels = Vocational
Explore vocational subjects. Study a V Level alongside other V Levels or A Levels or mix with other qualifications.
These hands-on qualifications have good progression routes for higher education routes.
What could your V Level combination look like? Check out a few examples.
A Levels = Academic
Explore classroom based academic subjects. Study alongside other A Levels or a mix with V Levels or other qualifications.
A Levels are a good progression route to higher education.
What could your A Level combination look like? Check out a few examples.
New Certificates
New Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates at level 2 will support students to build knowledge, skills and confidence before progressing to level 3 study or skilled employment.
Students can resit GCSE English and/or Maths if needed.
foundation certificate
The Level 2 Foundation Certificate is a clear route towards Level 3 to get students ready for A Levels, V Levels or T Levels.
This pathway is:
Ideal for students who benefit from an additional year
Designed to give students time to build confidence, knowledge and skills, so they are ready for Level 3 study.
First Foundation Certificate Subjects:
Digital Systems & Data
Education & Early Years
Occupational Certificate
The Level 2 occupational certificate is a direct route into skilled employment.
Start building your skills for a skilled job:
Develop practical, real-world skills through applied learning, with assessments that help show both your knowledge and skills.
Ideal for students looking for a structured route into work, with support over two years to build your skills and confidence.
Learn what employers need.
Supports progression to skilled employment and apprenticeships.
First Occupational Certificate Subjects:
Catering & Hospitality
Education & Early Years
