Department of Education updates on post-16 qualifications reform at Post-16 Network meeting
Do you know your Apprenticeships from your AAQs or your TOQs from your T levels? This is the issue the recent Post-16 Network meeting set out to address with colleagues from the Department of Education (DfE).
The Post-16 Network is a joint strategic endeavour between Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY) and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. It brings together careers professionals who advise in post-16 institutions in the West Yorkshire region and shares best practice around careers. As such, post-16 reform is big on our agenda!
Network members have been facing an uncertain picture over the post-16 qualification landscape in recent years; the previous government proposed to defund many Level 3 qualifications and the new government is reviewing this policy. This uncertain landscape is compounded by the multitude of qualifications and pathways that exist, and a lack of signposting, which makes an already complicated system more challenging for professionals supporting learners.
DfE commitment to Network members
The Post-16 Network was delighted to receive updates on the reforms from colleagues at the DfE at its March 2025 meeting.
In the online session, Boniface Odoemene and Angela Savage from the Student Sector Readiness Team gave context on how post-16 qualifications were reviewed and what support is available for careers professionals. Working directly with Boniface and Angela demonstrated their commitment to Network members. The resulting information benefitted all Network members by providing clarity and an opportunity for DfE colleagues to consult with us over upcoming resources they are developing.
The post-16 qualifications review
Labour’s review was in line with government policy to spread opportunity and support economic growth, according to Boniface and Angela.
Qualifications in seven sectors were reviewed and criteria applied to them. This included qualifications with low or no enrolments, duplication, if they met economic and learner need, and where there were skills gaps.
The review has identified 157 qualifications that should be retained, which are being reformed, and when some will end. To keep abreast of changes, please join the DfE’s mailing list for Post-16 qualification reforms.
Boniface and Angela went on to say that there will be new resources developed for careers professionals and learners to help communicate IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) around these changes once they are finalised.
DfE T Level updates
The Curriculum and Assessment review interim report concerning the national curriculum at Level 3 and below is due imminently and conclusions will be issued this autumn.
Boniface and Angela explained that new qualifications were in development, and that guidance around industry placements for all T Levels has changed to help deliver them. These are the government’s qualifications of choice and the approach the DfE is taking is to provide additional time for the sector to establish T Levels.
To keep abreast of the various reviews the DfE is conducting, including of T Levels, advisers are signposted to the Qualifications Reform webpage.
Further resources
If you are a careers professional working in the West Yorkshire region and would like to join the Post-16 Network, please contact ghwy@leeds.ac.uk for more information.
You can also watch our CPD webinar delivered in partnership with C+K Careers in December 2024 entitled Post-16 Qualifications Landscape.
Jenny Scannell, GHWY Project Manager and Officer
