ESFA Update: Outcomes of the Review of Qualifications Reform
Thursday 9th January 2025The government has announced the outcomes of the Review of Qualifications Reform, bringing significant clarity and stability to the future of Level 3 qualifications in England. This move is aimed at supporting both learners and the economy while ensuring education providers have clear guidance until 2027.
As part of the reform, 157 qualifications that were previously set to be defunded will now remain available alongside T Levels and A Levels. This decision ensures that students can access a broader range of learning options tailored to their individual needs. Colleges and sixth forms are no longer bound by strict rules of combination, allowing them to work with students to develop the best mix of qualifications for their goals and aspirations.
T Levels remain a central focus as the primary technical education route for 16- to 19-year-olds. These qualifications, designed in collaboration with employers, provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed in the workplace, including the much-valued industry placement experience.
This announcement provides much-needed certainty for education providers, students, and their families, allowing for informed decision-making and effective planning for the future. For more details, visit the Review of Qualifications Reform outcomes page.
