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Details new Level 3 V Levels and Level 2 Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, their grading, content, assessment windows, and subject groupings. 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They include DfE-set learning outcomes and have 40% timetabled assessment and 60% non-timetabled assessment, with one submission window a year.",{"name":70,"@type":61,"acceptedAnswer":71},"How does qualification defunding work and when will it be completed?",{"text":72,"@type":64},"Defunding removes funding for overlapping large Level 3 qualifications from 2027/28 (with exceptions noted) and removes funding for smaller Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications that duplicate new V Levels or equivalent qualifications as they are introduced. 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This impacts pathways from level 2 to 3, introducing viable vocational routes and defunding existing qualifications when an equivalent V Level is introduced. Centres who want to continue to offer the same subject choices will need to move to new qualifications.  \nLevel 3 and Level 2 Vocat ional Qualification Reforms  \nLevel 3  \nV Levels  \nGLH DURATION  \n360 Part of a 2-year mixed  \nstudy programme  \nGRADING CONTENT  \nA*-E (plus N & U grades) Overall grade based on compensatory assessment and numerical marking.  \nDfE-set learning outcomes Core knowledge and understanding, and work-related purposes Taken in conjunction with other V or A-Levels  \nASSESSMENT WINDOWS  \n40% timetabled assessment (e.g. exams) to be taken in May/June 60% non-timetabled assessments (e.g. tests, demonstrations or projects), with one submission window a year  \n2027/28  \nDigital Systems & Data Education Accounting & Finance  \n2028/29  \nApplied Research & Technology Construction Design Engineering Design  \nEngineering & Manufacturing Health  \nHealthcare & Clinical Technologies Legal Services  \nLeisure, Exercise & Sports  \nManagement, Procurement & Supply Chains Marketing & Retail  \nSocial Care  \n2029/30  \nAgriculture & Land Management Animal Care & Management Protective Services  \n2030/31  \nArt & Performing Arts Creative Media & Design Travel & Tourism  \nSubject to consultation 4  \nLevel 3 and Level 2 Vocat ional Qualification Reforms  \nLevel 2  \nFoundation Certificate  \nGLH DURATION  \n240-300 1-year programme  \nGRADING CONTENT  \nPass/Merit/Distinction Overall grade based on compensatory assessment  \nDfE-set learning outcomes Part of a ‘Further Study’pathway including enrichment, employability and pastoral (EEP) support, English & Maths resists where applicable  \nASSESSMENT WINDOWS  \n40% timetabled assessments with two assessment windows within the year  \n60% non-timetabled assessments marked by centres with one external moderation window  \n2027/28  \nDigital Systems & Data Education  \n2028/29  \nBusiness, Administration & Law Construction & the Built Environment Engineering & Manufacturing Health & Care Services  \nScience  \nSport, Fitness & Exercise Science  \n2029/30  \nAgriculture, Land Management & Animal Care Hair, Beauty & Aesthetics  \nHospitality & Catering  \nProtective Services  \n2030/31  \nCreative Media & Design Performing Arts  \nTravel & Tourism  \nSubject to consultation 5  \nLevel 3 and Level 2 Vocat ional Qualification Reforms  \nLevel 2  \nOccupational Certificate  \nGLH DURATION  \n540-720 Likely 2-year programme  \nGRADING CONTENT  \nPass/Merit/Distinction Overall grade based on compensatory assessment  \nDfE-set learning outcomes Part of an ‘Occupational’pathway including employability skills, resilience, confidence, enrichment and English & Maths resists where applicable  \nASSESSMENT WINDOWS  \n30% timetabled assessments with one or two assessment windows a year 70% non-timetabled assessments spread over two years, marked by centres with one external moderation window per year  \n2027/28  \nCatering & Hospitality Early Years Practitioner  \n2028/29  \nBusiness & Finance Administration Health & Care Services Constru","cbCaihzWWPn4NCMm","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaihzWWPn4NCMm","pdf",1245182,"English","# Overview\n## Qualification overviews\n# Post-16 pathways\n# Qualification defunding\n# Defunding timeline\n# What should I do next?\n# Pathways","[{\"question\":\"What principles guide the 16 to 19 pathway reforms?\",\"answer\":\"The reforms are based on three principles: ensuring students progress to positive outcomes, providing high-quality qualifications that adapt to future skills needs, and giving clear choices through well-defined pathways.\"},{\"question\":\"What are the key features of Level 3 V Levels under the guide?\",\"answer\":\"V Levels are delivered as part of a 2-year mixed study programme with A*-E grading (plus N \\u0026 U). They include DfE-set learning outcomes and have 40% timetabled assessment and 60% non-timetabled assessment, with one submission window a year.\"},{\"question\":\"How does qualification defunding work and when will it be completed?\",\"answer\":\"Defunding removes funding for overlapping large Level 3 qualifications from 2027/28 (with exceptions noted) and removes funding for smaller Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications that duplicate new V Levels or equivalent qualifications as they are introduced. Removal starts in 2027/2028 and completes by 2030/2031.\"}]","Level 3 and Level 2 Vocational Qualification Reforms - Qualification reforms and defunding guide - August 2026 | PDF",1792467275,25]