The Department for Education (DfE) has announced the first wave of new Level 3 and Level 2 qualifications scheduled for first teach from September 2027. These developments mark an important step in the government’s wider reform of post‑16 qualifications and will shape the future pathways available to students across England.

The DfE has confirmed that from 2027, funding approval will be removed from legacy Level 3 Digital subject qualifications. Other legacy qualifications at Level 2 and at Level 3, including Cambridge Technicals, Cambridge Advanced Nationals and BTECs will have funding approval removed in phases as new qualifications are introduced from 2027.

What does this mean for schools and colleges currently teaching our current Level 3 computing/IT vocational qualifications?

From first teach September 2027, new V Levels will replace all digital Level 3 qualifications, including our Cambridge Technicals and Cambridge Advanced Nationals in this subject area. See the table below to see which of our qualifications are affected:

Level 3 Computing and IT qualifications

Qualification
GLH
2026/27
2027/28
Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in Computing: Application Development
150 GLH
Funded
Not funded
Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in Computing: Application Development
360 GLH
Funded
Not funded
Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in IT: Data Analytics
150 GLH
Funded
Not funded
Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in IT: Data Analytics
360 GLH
Funded
Not funded
Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in Cyber Security
150 GLH
Funded
Not funded
Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in Cyber Security and Networks
360 GLH
Funded
Not funded
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in IT (2016)
720 GLH
Funded
Not funded
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in IT (2016)
1080 GLH
Funded
Not funded

We’re here to support you

We recognise that you will have questions about timelines, transition, and how these reforms will affect your current and future cohorts. As always, our priority is ensuring you feel confident and informed and we are committed to supporting you through these changes every step of the way. Over the coming months, we will provide:

  • Clear guidance on timelines and phase‑out arrangements

  • Dedicated support for curriculum planning and transition

  • Resources and advisory support from our subject and assessment specialists

  • Regular updates as further DfE announcements are made

If you have any immediate questions or need tailored support, our team is ready to help. Please contact us at partnerships@cambridge.org