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Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper: what it means for schools

Get up to speed on the government's proposed reforms to post-16 education and skills – including plans to introduce V-levels, and schools' role in supporting students at risk of not being in education, employment or training.

Last reviewed on 24 October 2025
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 52522
Contents
  1. What is it? 
  2. You'll have more responsibility for post-16 student destinations
  3. V-levels to replace vocational qualifications at level 3
  4. New occupational and study pathways at level 2
  5. New English and maths qualifications to help prepare students for GCSE resits 

What is it? 

The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out the government's plans for further and higher education and training. While much of it is focused on colleges and universities, there are also implications for schools, including:

  • Strengthening schools' duties to make sure students move into post-16 education or training
  • The introduction of V-levels, which would replace the current range of level 3 vocational qualifications from 2027
  • New 'pathways' at level 2 to prepare students for further study and employment
  • New English and maths qualifications at level 1 to prepare students for GCSE resits

The white paper doesn't contain any specific new guidance or expectations for you to follow right now. We’ll keep you up to date with any new developments – select 'save for later' at the top of this article to stay informed.

For now, get up to speed on the white paper proposals so you know what to expect.

You'll have more responsibility for post-16 student destinations