Post-16 Reforms
Supporting you now and in the future
The qualification reforms in England bring about significant changes in post-16 education policy, creating both opportunities and challenges for the sector.
As the experts in technical education, we’re working to create new opportunities and we’re here to support you through this period of change.
This page gives you expert guidance, video explainers and up-to-date information to support you through the post-16 reforms. Check back for regular updates.
What we know about current policy direction
On 24 July 2024 The Department for Education (DfE) announced that it will be pausing the plan to defund existing post-16 qualifications. Bridget Philipson confirmed the decision in a speech on 24 July 2024 in the House of Commons.
They will also be conducting a ‘focused review of post-16 qualifications reform at level 3 and below’, aiming to “assess how best to improve the quality of the overall qualifications landscape and ensure that all young people and adults have high-quality options that meet their needs”. This review will conclude in December 2024 and means that defunding decisions will take place in the new year. You can read more about the principles behind the review here.
The Skills Minister has also set out that:
“As part of a wider offer for young people I recognise that we need to retain other qualifications alongside T Levels and A levels.
Where the review identifies the balance of learner and employer needs within a sector requires level 3 qualifications other than T Levels and A levels, we will maintain the relevant qualifications. This may well be in areas that overlap with T Levels, which is a change from the approach taken by the last government.”
This means that there is a currently a lack of clarity about what (if anything) will lose funding next year, and whether alternatives to T Levels will in fact be allowed.
Rest assured that despite the uncertainty about the future, NCFE will be working hard to provide continuity in all our key sectors, crafting superb new solutions, and ensuring no learner is left behind.
Cycle 1 qualifications launching August 2025
We’re delighted to confirm 20 level 2 and 3 NCFE qualifications have been approved for funding from 1 August 2025 - more than any other awarding organisation.
These qualifications span the Childcare and Early Years, Digital, and Health and Social Care.
An introduction to new NCFE qualifications approved for funding from August 2025.
Watch this short video where NCFE Product Manager, David Rowley, guides your through the qualifications we're launching as part of cycle 1 of the qualificiation reforms.
Webinar: An introduction to NCFE cycle 1 qualifications launching August 2025
Join NCFE Product Managers, David Rowley (Technical Education), for an insightful webinar providing an introduction to the new qualifications approved for funding through cycle 1 of the post 16 qualifications review.
28 November 2024 : 12:00 - 12:45
Supporting your preparations for delivery
Visit our dedicated sector pages for further details and support on each of the cycle 1 qualifications now approved and funded for delivery from August 2025
Planning for the future - upcoming approval cycles
We’ve got ambitious plans for the future to ensure all of our sectors are well catered for. We’re excited to be developing Level 2 and 3 technical qualifications in:
- Social Care
- Aviation
- Travel and Tourism
- Protective Services
- Sport
- Business
- Logistics
As well as a large number of cross-cutting qualifications, personal, social and employability qualifications (PSEQs) and T Level Foundation Qualifications (TLFQs).
The policy may be subject to change, but our commitment to developing new, world-class qualifications will not.
Find out more