The future of post-16 level 1, entry vocational qualifications in England

The reforms will affect level 1 and entry level qualifications taken by 16-19-year-olds and 19+ year-olds funded by the ESFA under the Adult Education Budget.

• The Department for Education (DfE) is in the process of reforming post-16 vocational qualifications at level 3 and below. The level 3 continues to be reformed. The level 2 is also now currently underway You can find out more about the level 2 reforms here L2 Review Updates (pearson.com)
• Level 1 and entry level qualifications are now also starting to be reformed under cycle 3 for first teach in 2027.
• The level 1 and entry reform aims to address the complexity and varied quality of the offer and to ensure all qualifications support good outcomes for students.
• On 18 October 2022, the DfE published their response to the level 2 and below consultation which includes information on the future of level 1 and entry level. This confirmed the direction of the reforms, including the qualification groups they will fund in future.
• At level 1, qualifications must either support progression to level 2 technical study or an apprenticeship or (supported or non-supported) internship. Some learners may progress to employment.
• At entry level, qualifications must either support progression to level 1 technical study or a supported internship or employment.
• For level 1, the DfE have created 5 purpose groups. All qualifications must be submitted against one of the groups.

For entry level, the DfE have created 4 purpose groups. All qualifications must be submitted against one of the groups.

GCSEs, English, Maths, and Digital Functional Skills qualifications, Essential Digital Skills qualifications (EDSQ), Higher Project qualifications, Foundation Project qualifications and Performing Arts Graded Examinations.  

The level 1 and entry level reform will be rolled out in the third cycle for first teach in 2027.

You can continue to teach all the above until August 2027 at the earliest. We will withdraw current qualifications as funding is removed and new ones become approved by DfE.

First Teach 2027

In 2025 we will submit a range of subjects in the following:

• Level 1 Progression qualifications
• Entry Level Progression qualifications

We will be informed in 2026 if these qualifications have been approved for funding.