Policy Threads

Post-16 Vocational and Technical Qualifications Reform

The Department for Education and Ofqual are reforming post-16 vocational and technical qualifications to modernise the system and improve work-related skills development, with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025 recently enacted. The reform includes new qualification types (T Levels, V Levels, Foundation Certificates, Occupational Certificates) with updated assessment requirements and subject content frameworks for 2027 implementation. Current activity involves finalising assessment timing requirements, on-screen assessment protocols, and L2/L3 qualification subject content specifications.

29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Education linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reasons the National Vocational Qualification for Pilots was removed in 1999 and what consideration has been made of introducing a new qualificati

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reasons the National Vocational Qualification for Pilots was removed in 1999 and what consideration has been made of introducing a new qualification that is not subject to VAT for pilot …

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28 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Education linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans she has to place greater emphasis on the development of work-related skills in schools and colleges.

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27 Jun 2025 | Written evidence linked

The Department for Education’s (The Department’s) aims for T Levels include improving technical education and work outcomes for young people, alongside having qualifications that better meet employers’ skills needs. T Levels are based on occupational standards that are developed and approved by employers. They include a core curriculum, alongside a specialism which students choose covering specific knowledge, skills and behaviours. As at March 2025, there were 74 occupational specialisms acro...

The Department for Education’s (The Department’s) aims for T Levels include improving technical education and work outcomes for young people, alongside having qualifications that better meet employers’ skills needs. T Levels are based on occupational standards that are developed and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK