Have your say on student choice

What's happening?

In July 2021, the Government completed a review and consultation that impacts Level 3 BTECs and other vocational qualifications in England.

The main proposal is to introduce a choice between T levels and A levels at Level 3, where most young people pursue one of these routes at the age of 16. Alongside this the DfE recognise that in certain areas there is a clear role for alternative qualifications to T Levels and A levels such as BTECs, and these qualifications will run alongside A levels and T Levels.

Educators and employers tell us choices at 16+ should include BTEC because it is a career-focused qualification that gives young people and adults the knowledge and skills they need for careers within industry, further study, higher education or an apprenticeship.

Read the review

An extra year before the reform timetable is implemented

In November 2021, the Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi announced that the original implementation timetable will be set back by one year. This means that the phased removal of funding for BTECs that overlap with T Levels, and the phased introduction of the new Level 3 ‘Academic’ and ‘Technical’ qualifications will start from 2024/25 rather than 2023/24.

Despite the extra year, we want to see BTEC Level 3 Nationals and other Applied General qualifications funded in the long term. And are therefore continuing to support and promote the #ProtectStudentChoice petition.