Below is a summary of the key proposals set out in the
Post-16 and Skills White Paper, along with an overview of what they mean for post-16 and further education providers.
- A skills and employment system shaped by employer needs, with sector-specific skills packages, short courses and foundation apprenticeships funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, designed to support people to get into and get on at work.
- Reforms are underpinned by data-driven planning from Skills England and stronger public-private partnerships.
- Technical excellence colleges will be expanded with 14 more across digital, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, building on the ten launched in construction and five in defence.
- Strategic Authorities playing a leading role in driving regional growth, supported by Local Skills Improvement Plans and improved labour market intelligence. Employers will be incentivised to invest in training through levy flexibility and clearer pathways into work, including for young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET.
- Guarantee of a post-16 place at an FE college for all unplaced 16 year-olds.
- A specialist further education system offering study pathways at all levels.
- Introduction of V levels as the alternative pathway to A levels and T levels in four tranches from September 2027.
- The defunding of large (720+Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – double and triple) AGQs in 2026 and 2027 has been confirmed; single (360GLH) AGQs will be maintained until V levels roll out to replace them. We are calling for the DfE to release an updated list of approved qualifications urgently. Please respond to the #ProtectStudentChoice survey if you offer double or triple BTECs/other AGQs.
- There will be two pathways at level 2 for 16–19 year-olds: Occupational pathway to support progression into work, or the further study pathway to support progression to level 3 study.
- A new level 1 qualification will provide a stepping stone for those who get grade 2 or below in English and maths GCSEs to prepare the foundational knowledge to resit them (grade 3 students will resit as before).
- FE teachers and leaders will benefit from a national, evidence-based professional development offer, including industry exchange programmes and targeted support in priority subjects.
- Reforms receive investment in college capacity, governance, and accountability. £800 million will be invested in 16–19 funding in 2026–2027, supporting an additional 20,000 students.
- Following the publication of the white paper, the government immediately launched a consultation on the introduction of V levels and level 2 pathways, closing on 12 January. Further consultations will follow in 2026, including one on the planned changes to English and maths GCSE resits.
- A plan for a world-leading, integrated higher education system, aligned with national economic priorities and offering flexible, modular learning through the lifelong learning entitlement, targeted maintenance grants and funded by a levy on international student fees. Providers to specialise and collaborate at levels 4 and 5, to ensure higher education continues to support opportunity and research. The DfE will set out plans to limit universities with poor-quality to recruit new students -more here.