Level 3 and Level 2 Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme - Guide to Funding and Support

Oct 20, 2026

Guide to funding and support for the Post-16 Level 3 and Level 2 vocational qualifications reform programme in England, dated October 2026. It outlines government responses and key documents, summarises outcomes for Pearson BTEC qualifications, and describes sector transition plans. The guide details Level 3 V Levels and Level 2 Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, including GLH ranges, study programme expectations, eligibility considerations, and support for English/maths, enrichment, EEP provision, SEND, and disadvantage. It also summarises Ofqual conditions for structure, assessment windows, external and internal assessment proportions, grading, and aggregation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages71

Reading Time2 h 59 min

AccessFree to download

The response

Summary of outcomes for Pearson BTEC qualifications

Sector transition plans and programmes of study

Sector response and guidance and support

FAQs

DfE Implementation plan

Post-16 Level 3 and below pathways: government responses

Qualification Level Conditions and requirements

Level 3 vocational qualifications

Level 2 vocational qualifications

Ofqual Conditions and Requirements

V Levels: key features at a glance

Guide to Funding and Support Post-16 Level 3 and Level 2 vocational qualifications reform programme October 2026 LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 2 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REFORM PROGRAMME Contents | 01 | The response | | --- | --- | | 02 | Summary of outcomes for Pearson BTEC qualifications | | 03 ~~ ~~FqirstualiTfiecaactihon routes | | | 04 | Sector transition plans and programmes of study | | --- | --- | | 05 ~~ ~~Guidance~~ ~~and~~ ~~su~~ppo~~rt | | | 06 ~~ ~~FAQs | | Copyright 2026 Pearson. All rights reserved. 2 LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 2 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REFORM PROGRAMME DfE Implementation plan Post-16 Level 3 and below pathways: government responses Key documents published Implementation plan (updated 17th September) Qualification Level Conditions and requirements • V Levels • Foundation Certificates • Occupational Certificates This guide relatesto reform and impact on qualifications and funding in England only. Copyright 2026 Pearson. All rights reserved. LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 2 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REFORM PROGRAMME Level 3 vocational qualifications V Level = 360 GLH The government aims to have only one V Level in a subject. Depending on the occupational route, there could be more than one V Level in a route. However, it has been confirmed there will only be one V Level per route in the initial 2027 qualifications. Range of Subjects DfE will continue to refine the range of subjects to ensure they relate to the priority areas of the economy, such as those linked to the growth-driving sectors as set out in the Industrial Strategy. Exceptional case Will consider whether aV Level may be‘partnered’ with one other V Level from the same route. A maximum oftwoV Level subjects in the same route can be studied together for 720 GLH. T Levels DfE will continue to test the viability of newT Levels including consideration of whether further design flexibilities are required and proportionate. Copyright 2026 Pearson. All rights reserved. 4 LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 2 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REFORM PROGRAMME Level 2 vocational qualifications Foundation Certificates Size range of 240 to 300 GLH in a single year. Range of subjects DfEwill continue to refine the range of subjects to ensure they relate to the priority areas of the economy, such as those linked to the growth-driving sectors as set out in the Industrial Strategy. Occupational Certificates • Variable in size –540-720 GLH • Two-year study programme. • Support tailored to preparing students for entry to work and which aims to be enriching and inspiring. Foundation Certificates study programme • Provides meaningful vocational area content and practical learning. • Leaves sufficient time for English and/or maths. • Ensures time for enrichment, employability, and pastoral (EEP) provision. • Enables supported preparation for level 3. • Provides flexibility for students with SEND or other forms of disadvantage. • Fits within the expected hours of a fulltime study programme. Copyright 2026 Pearson. All rights reserved. 5 LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 2 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REFORM PROGRAMME Ofqual Conditions and Requirements | LEVEL 2 | Foundation Certificates-Further Study Pathway Occupational Certificates-Occupational Pathway | | | --- | --- | --- | | | Structure: Modular-synopticity mandatory; mixed methods (exampractical/performance-projects where valid) | Structure: Modular-synopticity mandatory; mixed methods (exampractical/performance-projects where valid) | | | Assessment Windows: 1 or 2 per year Assessment Windows: 1 or 2 per year | | | | External Assessment: 40% -set and marked by AO-can be assessed via exam or External Assessment: 30% -set and marked by AO-can be assessed via exam or | | | | other timetabled assessment method (written task, practical task) other timetabled assessment method (written task, practical task) | | | | Internal Assessment: 60% -set by AO, can be mark

FAQs

What does the guide cover for the Post-16 vocational qualifications reform programme?

It covers reform and impacts on qualifications and funding in England, including outcomes for Pearson BTEC qualifications, sector transition plans, and implementation details for Level 3 and Level 2 qualifications.

What is the GLH size for a Level 3 V Level?

A V Level is 360 GLH, taken over 2 years, and studied alongside other V Levels, A Levels, or an English or maths retake.

How are external and internal assessment proportions defined for Level 2 Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates?

For Level 2, external assessment is 40% for Foundation Certificates and 30% for Occupational Certificates, with internal assessment set at 60% and 70% respectively, subject to Ofqual conditions.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Aria Callaghan