Qualification reform in England

The reform process will be rolled out in three different phases. We are currently in phase 3, during which Level 2 and Level 3 qualification quality criteria are published by Department for Education. Phase 3 will culminate in September 2027 when a comprehensive range of revised Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications will be available for delivery.

We will be working with a diverse range of individuals and organisations throughout the reform process to feed into the design and development of each qualification and supporting resources. We  encourage customers and sector stakeholders to work with us to shape qualifications that are fit for purpose for learners, delivery staff and employers. There are a range of activities to get involved with, including:

• Provision of letters of support and demand
• Subject matter experts to assist with the development of content and assessments. See the Development Consultant information on our associates web page.
• Consultants to assist with external quality assurance, moderation and other quality assurance activities. Visit our associates web page for opportunities to get involved.
• Employers and stakeholders to help us ensure that our qualification content is fit for purpose. Read our article on why employers and stakeholders should get involved.

To support our customers, City & Guilds will be running webinars and publishing important information and resources to this web page. You can also sign up today to get email updates from City & Guilds to make sure you don’t miss out on reform news, webinars and support and guidance.

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Guide to Post-16 qualification landscape at Level 3 and below for 2025 and beyond

Skills and Post-16 Education Bill: policy summary notes

Awarding Organisations are free to choose which of the new qualifications they want to develop.

To qualify for funding from 2025, all Level 3 academic and technical qualifications will need to meet pre-set criteria approved by the Department for Education, in collaboration with IfATE and Ofqual. Depending on the type of qualification this could include:

• Quality and progression criteria
• Confirmation of employer demand
• Meeting or linking to occupational standards
• Minimal overlap to A Level or T Level content or destination

Once approved, the new Level 3 qualifications will be funded for a period of three years.

Once approved, the new qualifications will be become available in two cycles. 

The defunding of Level 3 qualifications will happen in Summer 2024. The timing has been aligned to the planned roll out of T Levels.

The following qualifications are not impacted:

• Core Maths
• Extended Project qualifications
• Technical qualifications within T Levels
• Apprenticeships
• Traineeships
• 14-16 offer (Key Stage 4)
• Qualifications approved for use with pre-16 learners
• Programmes offered under devolved adult education budgets

Level 2 qualifications are also part of the reform and information around the requirements for these will be communicated to Awarding Organisations in Spring 2023. Currently, the first teaching of reformed Level 2 qualifications will be in Autumn 2025 for Cycle 1 subjects, and Autumn 2026 for Cycle 2 subjects, mirroring the approach taken with Level 3 qualifications.

Qualifications within an apprenticeship, traineeship or 14-16 Key Stage 4 are out of scope from the reforms so will continue to be funded.

The aim of the reforms is to simplify the post-16 range of choices and provide more clarity for learners. For those aged 16-19 A Levels will be the main academic qualification and T Levels will be the main technical qualification of choice.

A collection of new large and small alternative academic qualifications (AAQs) will also be available. A range of new Level 3 technical qualifications will also be available to both 16-19 year olds and to adults. These qualifications will enable progression to skilled employment or higher technical study:

For a more detailed breakdown of subject areas please refer to pages 10-15 of the DfE Guide to Post-16 qualification landscape at Level 3 and below for 2025 and beyond.

Alongside A Levels and Access to Higher Education Diplomas, adults who want to progress into higher education will have access to the same range of AAQs at Level 3 as 16-19 year olds.

Yes, the alternative academic qualifications, occupational entry qualifications, and additional specialist qualifications approved for funding at Level 3 will be eligible for inclusion in 16-18 performance measures.

The Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) will be available as ‘small’ (150-420 guided learning hours - or a single A Level size) and ‘large’ (720-1080 guided learning hours - roughly 2-3 A Level size). Larger AAQs will not be available until cycle 2.

Nesting qualifications may still be possible but only when meeting certain conditions and criteria. No duplication of learning will be permitted.