March 2025
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This conference considered the future of Level 3 qualifications and priorities for the post-16 qualification landscape in England.
It was an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the place of Applied General Qualifications alongside T Levels, A-levels, Technical Qualifications (TQs) and alternative academic qualifications (AAQs), following the DfE’s recently published response to its Focused review of Post-16 qualifications reform at Level 3 and below.
Delegates examined findings from the review, which confirmed that courses considered key to the Government’s growth missions will not be defunded, with most - including those that overlap with T Levels - to have funding remain in place until either July 2026 or July 2027. Discussion also considered future funding options beyond 2027.
Looking at AAQs and reformed technical qualifications, those attending assessed rollout and delivery so far, following the launch of the reform process under the previous government. The approval process for AAQs was assessed, including how to ensure that it effectively meets the needs of the labour market and helps students develop the skills required for the future.
The role and priorities for Skills England were discussed, including in commissioning the development of technical qualifications, running procurements, and granting and managing awarding organisation licenses. Delegates also discussed potential strategies for utilising Level 3 qualifications to fill emerging and existing gaps in skills, both locally and nationally, as well as Skills England’s potential impact on the qualification landscape and learner options moving forward.
The agenda also focused on priorities for T Levels, with recently announced requirements relating to T Level placements, including reduced hours and remote learning. Sessions considered the potential impact of new measures on recruitment and retention, and further approaches to improving student satisfaction and increasing enrolment of students in the T Level Foundation Year and T Level programmes. Delegates looked at working with employers to improve work placements and student progression, including into higher level apprenticeships and employment, and engaging with employers in rural areas to increase student options.
Further sessions focused on the impact of reform to the post-16 qualification landscape on staff workload, as well as student choice and satisfaction. Delegates also assessed the offer for adult learners and the role of qualifications at Level 3 in improving social mobility, and accessibility of qualification options for learners with additional needs. They assessed the destinations of students taking Level 3 qualifications and how well the reformed qualifications are likely to prepare students for further study and the labour market, also looking at the alignment of qualifications at Level 2 and below with Level 3 reform.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include officials from DfE; DBT; DESNZ; DSIT; IfATE; NAO; MOJ; DoE, NI; DfE, NI; and ETI, NI.
