20 May 2026
DfE publish Post-16 Pathways Implementation Plan
On 20th May 2026, the government published their Post-16 Pathways Implementation Plan for post‑16 technical and vocational qualifications. This sets out their operational plan for introducing V Levels, Foundation Certificates, Occupational Certificates and improved T Levels.
V Levels
The Implementation Plan details the intention to introduce V Levels, alongside a timescale for the rollout of available subjects from 2027. 'Partnered' V Levels will be available in a small number of subject areas. Ofqual are currently consulting on V Level grading and will work with UCAS to publish the tariff points that will be awarded.
Level 2 Pathways
More details on the new level 2 pathways set out in the consultation response in March are outlined, including the Further Study Pathway and the Occupational Pathway. The first subjects in each of these pathways have been outlined in the Implementation Plan and consultation is currently open on the content of these study programmes.
T Levels
T Levels will remain as the only large qualification for students who want a sector-focused study programme. New subjects to be introduced in 2028 have been confirmed as Social Care and Sport. The T Level Foundation Year will be renamed from 2027 to the 'Foundation Year', and will eventually be replaced by the new Further Study Pathway and Foundation Certificate.
Further support
The government has signalled a commitment to supporting the careers profession with targeted messaging and resources. They have committed to working with the Career Development Institute (CDI), the Careers and Enterprise Company and the Gatsby Foundation to raise awareness of the reformed landscape. The CDI is also proud to be part of a Technical and Vocational Qualifications Higher Education network, which aims to facilitate a smooth transition to the recognition of V Levels by Higher Education Institutes.
For a summary of the key points from the Implementation Plan that every careers professional will want to know, visit https://www.thecdi.net/resources/technical-education-resource-hub/qualifications-reform
V Levels
The Implementation Plan details the intention to introduce V Levels, alongside a timescale for the rollout of available subjects from 2027. 'Partnered' V Levels will be available in a small number of subject areas. Ofqual are currently consulting on V Level grading and will work with UCAS to publish the tariff points that will be awarded.
Level 2 Pathways
More details on the new level 2 pathways set out in the consultation response in March are outlined, including the Further Study Pathway and the Occupational Pathway. The first subjects in each of these pathways have been outlined in the Implementation Plan and consultation is currently open on the content of these study programmes.
T Levels
T Levels will remain as the only large qualification for students who want a sector-focused study programme. New subjects to be introduced in 2028 have been confirmed as Social Care and Sport. The T Level Foundation Year will be renamed from 2027 to the 'Foundation Year', and will eventually be replaced by the new Further Study Pathway and Foundation Certificate.
Further support
The government has signalled a commitment to supporting the careers profession with targeted messaging and resources. They have committed to working with the Career Development Institute (CDI), the Careers and Enterprise Company and the Gatsby Foundation to raise awareness of the reformed landscape. The CDI is also proud to be part of a Technical and Vocational Qualifications Higher Education network, which aims to facilitate a smooth transition to the recognition of V Levels by Higher Education Institutes.
For a summary of the key points from the Implementation Plan that every careers professional will want to know, visit https://www.thecdi.net/resources/technical-education-resource-hub/qualifications-reform
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