Post-16 L2 and L3 qualifications: 2027 proposed subject content

Overview

We are seeking views on the proposed subject content for specific new qualifications at level 2 and level 3.

This consultation gathers views on the content for the first qualifications in 2027:

• V Levels:
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Digital Systems and Data
  • Education
• Foundation Certificates:
  • Digital Systems and Data
  • Education and Early Years
• Occupational Certificates:
  • Early Years Practitioner
  • Culinary Skills
  • Hospitality

Why your views matter

The consultation is for anyone with an interest in post-16 education for 16-19-year-olds in England. This includes but is not limited to:

• awarding organisations who intend to offer, V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, and their representative bodies
• schools, colleges, students, and their representative bodies
• further and higher education institutions and their representative bodies
• employers and their representative bodies

Findings from this consultation will be taken into account when finalising the final subject content which will be published in July 2026.

The consultation runs from Thursday 23rd April to Thursday 4th June 2026 (11:59pm). Please read the accompanying consultation document and outline content before responding.