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13 December 2024

Yesterday the DfE published the outcomes of the Review of Qualifications Reform at Level 3 in England. This confirms which qualifications will be funded for 16-19 learners in England for the academic years 2025/26 and 2026/27.

At Pearson, we recognise the importance of offering a range of Level 3 qualifications to meet the unique needs of every learner. Whether it’s BTEC Nationals, including our new AAQ’s and Technicals, or T Levels, the decision ultimately rests with colleges and parents to select the option that best aligns with each student’s goals.

The review has confirmed that the government will not move forward with the proposal to restrict the study programme rules of combination to one AAQ and two A levels. This means that you can work with students and their parents to determine the best study programme for each learner.

What does this mean for post-16 BTEC qualifications from 2025/26?

The approach the review has taken means funding decisions will vary by sector. We have updated our funding guides to reflect the latest guidance for academic years 2025/2026 and 2026/27.

 
Most BTEC Level 3 National qualifications will remain funded, so you can continue teaching them with confidence. However, funding for some qualifications will end after 1 August 2025. This may affect centres planning to "top-up" learners to larger-sized qualifications in their second year of study.

To support your curriculum planning and guide you through these changes, we will be sending sector-specific communications from January 2025. We will also be hosting a series of sector events during January to give you the opportunity to further explore what the changes mean for you and your learners.

Book your place to join us at a sector event


New Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) and Technical Qualifications for first teach September 2025.

The DfE has confirmed that the new AAQs and Technical Qualifications will continue to be funded from 1 August 2025. As a result, the predecessor versions of these qualifications will no longer be funded after 31 July 2025, and teaching must transition to the new qualifications from 1 September 2025.  

These new level 3 qualifications have been built in partnership with you, higher education institutions and employers, ensuring they are future-focused and deliver the skills and knowledge learners need to succeed.  

Explore our BTEC Level 3 Nationals from 2025

Explore our BTEC Level 3 Technicals (TOEQs) from 2025  

What does this mean for T Levels?

The government remains committed to T Levels and has confirmed the introduction of the Marketing T Level from Pearson in September 2025. Pearson is a proud provider of T Levels where we know they provide the best outcomes for learners and support the skills needs of the economy. Learn more about our T Levels offer.

What does this mean for level 2 BTEC qualifications?  

In September 2024, the DfE published a list of new Level 2 technical qualifications approved for funding from August 2025. These will be introduced as planned.

Funding for Level 2 BTEC qualifications will only be removed in 2025/26 if they are directly replaced by one of these new reformed technical qualifications. 

Future decisions on level 2 qualifications reform will be taken, considering the Curriculum and Assessment Review.

Support and guidance

We’re here to support you. We’ll continue working closely with you to provide detailed guidance, ensuring you stay informed about funded and non-funded Level 3 vocational qualifications from September 2025.

Join our sector-specific briefing sessions in January to learn about how the reforms affect your subject area, ask questions, and connect with other educators.

Stay updated by visiting and bookmarking our BTEC Level 3 and Below Reforms webpage.

If you have any questions, please contact us through the Pearson Support Portal.