Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the timetable for any proposed changes to the qualification routes for young people for level 2 post-16 qualifications.

Education is a devolved matter and this response outlines the information for England only.

The Post-16 Pathways Implementation Plan, published on 20 May 2026, sets out the phased roadmap for post-16 technical and vocational qualifications from 2027.

Occupational Certificates are being developed in Early Years Practitioner and Catering and Hospitality, alongside Foundation Certificates in Digital Systems and Data, and Education, for first teach in September 2027.

From 2028 onwards, additional Occupational and Foundation Certificates will be introduced across a wider range of subject areas, including Health and Care Services, Construction, Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care, and Creative and Design. Subjects planned beyond 2027 remain subject to final content.

We are committed to regularly updating the Implementation Plan over the four-year reform period. The latest update was published on 16 September 2026 with the next update expected in spring 2027.