Overview

In October 2022, DfE published the government’s response to its consultation on the ‘Review of post-16 qualifications at level 2 and below in England’. This response sets out DfE’s intentions for the future qualifications landscape at level 2 and below in England. It confirms the groups of qualifications that will be considered for public funding in the future grouped by level, purpose, and intended destination. The review of qualifications at level 2 and below will span several years. DfE will take a phased approach to the first teaching of reformed qualifications from 2025 to 2027.

The first qualifications that are being considered for funding approval at level 2 and below by DfE will be level 2 qualifications leading to skilled employment. Ofqual launched a public consultation on these qualifications on 10 January 2023.

The next group of qualifications being considered will be qualifications supporting progression to higher levels of study. This consultation considers a sub-section of these qualifications – level 2 qualifications supporting progression to T Levels. DfE’s intention is that these qualifications may be taught as part of the new T Level Transition Programme (TLTP).

The aim of this consultation is to provide an opportunity for interested groups to comment on the way in which Ofqual proposes to regulate these qualifications. Ofqual will consult on the draft Conditions and requirements that would be used to implement this approach in June 2023. This will allow awarding organisations to develop qualifications and centres to familiarise themselves with them ahead of teaching the first reformed qualifications in September 2026.

If you have an interest in qualifications supporting progression to T Levels, please let Ofqual know your thoughts on the proposals set out here by responding to the consultation.

A consultation on the other groups of qualifications supporting progression to higher levels of study will be published later in 2023.

What happens next

Your response has been submitted - thank you for completing the consultation

This information will now be analysed and the findings will be published on our website.

To get alerted to updates to this and other Ofqual consultations, you can sign up for alerts on our consultation page on GOV.UK.