Post-16 Level 3 and Below Pathways

We asked for 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.

We received over 750 responses on Citizen Space and emails from individuals and organisations spanning a range of stakeholders, including FE and HE providers, awarding organisations and teachers. The responses gave views on the details of the design and implementation of the new pathways, including on the size of the qualifications, the subjects, the content, and the branding.

The responses have informed the government response to the consultation, which was published on 10 March 2026 and is available on GOV.UK. We have also published a transition plan which sets out how we will support providers to move towards the reformed qualification landscape. We will publish an implementation plan by June 2026 which will set out further details.