Post-16 Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications: 2027 proposed subject content

We have worked with experts and stakeholders to develop subject content for new post-16 pathways at:

• Level 2 – foundation certificates and occupational certificates
• Level 3 – V Levels

We’re seeking consultation responses on the proposed content for the first routes in the 2027 to 2028 academic year.

Foundation certificates

We have proposed subject content for:

• digital systems and data
• education and early years

Occupational certificates

We have proposed subject content for:

• early years practitioners
• culinary skills
• hospitality

V Levels

We have proposed subject content for:

• digital systems and data
• education
• accounting and finance (as part of the legal, finance and accounting route)

Who the consultation is for

The consultation is for anyone with an interest in post-16 education for 16- to 19-year-olds in England. This includes but is not limited to:

• awarding organisations who intend to offer foundation certificates, occupational certificates and V Levels, and their representative bodies
• schools, colleges, students and their representative bodies
• further and higher education institutions and their representative bodies
• employers and their representative bodies

We will take into account the findings from the responses when finalising the final subject content. The final subject content will be available in July 2026.

Ofqual’s consultation on the regulatory framework for these qualifications is also available.

Find out what these qualification levels mean in England.