Start planning for new post-16 Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications from 2027
9 September 2026
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Dear colleague,
You can now start planning for the first wave of Pearson's new post-16 Level 2 and Level 3 vocational qualifications for England, with first teaching planned from September 2027.
Vocational education has been at the heart of Pearson qualifications for more than 40 years. We're bringing that experience, together with feedback from teachers, leaders, employers and sector experts, into the development of qualifications that retain the applied, career-focused strengths you and your learners value. |
New qualifications planned for 2027
Our first six qualifications in development are:
Level 3 V Levels
Level 2 qualifications
These qualifications are in development for first teaching from September 2027, subject to regulatory approval and funding confirmation. We'll keep you updated on the status of each qualification. |
What you can expect and when
To help you plan ahead, we'll release information in stages:
- November 2026: draft specifications and sample assessment materials
- Early 2027: final specifications and sample assessment materials
- Spring 2027: support materials and training
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Plan with confidence
We know reforms of this scale can affect curriculum planning, staffing, assessment, progression and learner support.
There are no reform-related funding changes for the 2026/27 academic year, so you should continue to use the current published funding guidance.
We’ll provide early, practical information at each stage of the reform journey and clearly explain what is confirmed, what remains subject to approval and what you need to do next. |
Delivering programmes that top up to larger qualifications? |
While there are no reform-related funding changes for this academic year, some BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas will lose funding in England from August 2027.
If you currently use any of these qualifications as a progression route from smaller-size qualifications, you'll need to register students on the larger qualification from the start of their programme this September.
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Join a briefing this autumn
We're running a series of live webinars to help you understand the latest developments and prepare for upcoming changes.
Join a sector-specific webinar for updates on funding, regulatory requirements and transition timelines.
You can also attend a wider post-16 reform briefing covering the overall reforms, funding position and transition arrangements.
From November, we'll run dedicated first-look events for the new qualifications planned for 2027. These sessions will explore the draft specification structure, proposed content and assessment, grading, moderation and the support we are developing for centres.
Draft specifications and sample assessment materials released in November 2026 will be clearly labelled as drafts while regulatory and funding decisions remain in progress. |
Help shape what comes next
Your feedback can help make sure these qualifications reflect the realities of teaching, curriculum planning and learner progression.
By joining one of our qualification development feedback panels, you can share your centre's priorities, influence future qualification development and help shape the guidance and support centres receive. |
We're here to support you
Over the coming months, we'll share more information on curriculum planning, transition, assessment, progression, training and resources.
Our subject advisor teams will also be available to help you understand what the reforms mean for your learners and your existing provision.
You'll continue to receive early updates, practical guidance and clear information so you can make informed decisions with confidence. |
We look forward to working with you as these qualifications develop and to supporting you through the transition.
Kind regards,
Deidre Williams
Lead, Product Management
Pearson Qualifications, Vocational Portfolio |
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Pearson Customer Services The Lighthouse, Manchester, M50 3BF Unsubscribe |
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