Post-16 Reform - Level 2 qualifications

Level 2 Cambridge Technicals 

Summary

The DfE has confirmed it is moving ahead with post-16 level 2 reforms. Its aims are to improve quality and better prepare individuals to progress to further study/training at level 3, or directly into skilled employment in sectors and occupations where level 2 skills are needed.

What will the new Level 2 landscape look like?

Provision will be split into technical qualifications leading to employment or apprenticeships (which have to link to employer-led standards) or qualifications that enable progression to level 3.  Alongside existing GCSEs, the latter is split into an Alternative Academic Qualification provision pathway (where revised products that are permitted must progress to an Alternative Academic Qualification) or a T-level provision pathway (where these products would be based on National Technical Outcomes (NTOs) and would be delivered as part of a T-level transition programme (TLTP)).

First teach of some of the revised qualifications in the technical pathway is scheduled for September 2025.

First teach for majority of revised qualifications in the academic progression pathway, including T-level progression qualifications, is scheduled for September 2026.