Morning, Friday, 13th November 2026
Online
This conference will examine next steps for qualifications at Level 2 and below in England.
Areas for discussion include practical requirements for implementing qualification reform, introduction of new pathways from 2027, provider readiness and the transition timeline, funding reform and the Growth and Skills Levy, alignment of curriculum content with sector and local needs, and supporting learners into further study and employment.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers following publication of the Government’s Post-16 pathways: implementation plan in May 2026, which set out the phased introduction of new Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications from 2027 - including a further study pathway leading to Level 3 built around new Foundation Certificates, and an occupational pathway into skilled employment built around new Occupational Certificates - alongside the gradual withdrawal of public funding approval for selected existing vocational and technical qualifications, and the introduction of new Level 1 English and maths qualifications for lower-attaining learners.
The evolving role of strategic and mayoral authorities in shaping local skills and post-16 provision will be discussed, considering what greater local influence over funding and skills priorities could mean for implementation, accountability and responsiveness to local labour market need. Sessions will look at how the reformed system can support both national and local skills priorities, including alignment with occupational standards and employer requirements - with the new Prime Minister aiming to place a greater emphasis on technical and vocational education within the curriculum.
It takes place as the Milburn Review Young people and work: interim report published in May 2026 recommends that whole-system reform is needed to prevent youth disengagement - including a high proportion with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds - becoming entrenched. Delegates will consider how qualifications at Level 2 and below can contribute to progression into further learning and employment and support learners with differing levels of prior attainment, while maintaining accessibility, learner choice and confidence in the system during transition.
Implementation, provider readiness & transition
The agenda will examine readiness for a phased, route-by-route rollout of the new qualification framework across colleges, schools and independent training providers, and how quality and learner choice can be protected while existing qualifications are withdrawn.
Areas for discussion include:
- provider readiness: capacity across colleges, schools and independent training providers - curriculum planning and staffing - access to professional development
- rollout and sequencing: timing of defunding against the availability of new qualifications - avoiding gaps in progression as established qualifications are withdrawn
- approvals and information: approval processes - guidance, communications and learner information - support for providers through transition
- regulation and quality: maintaining consistency and employer confidence during transition - Ofqual's approach to regulating the new qualifications and pathways
Curriculum, qualification design & employer engagement
Sessions will consider how the content of new qualifications is being developed and how employers can be more closely involved in shaping it, as well as potential implications of the Government’s recent consultation response on Post-16 Level 2 and 3 qualifications: 2027 proposed subject content, which reaffirmed intentions to align curricula with employer needs.
Areas for discussion include:
- certificates: Foundation Certificate design, size and purpose - Occupational Certificate core and occupation-specific content - further study and occupational pathways
- subject content: alignment with Skills England occupational standards - new Level 1 English and maths qualifications for lower-attaining students
- employer engagement: involvement in content and occupational standards - balancing national consistency with local and sectoral needs - capacity of employers to engage, particularly SMEs
Funding, apprenticeships & local skills coordination
Attendees will consider the reformed funding system and how qualification reform aligns with wider skills and industrial policy.
Areas for discussion include:
- Growth and Skills Levy: shorter modular apprenticeship units - £1bn additional investment and fully funded apprenticeships for under-25s at SMEs - 12-month funding window and higher co-investment
- apprenticeships: access to funding for Foundation Apprenticeships and apprenticeship units - interaction with the new Level 2 pathways - lessons learned from early operational experience
- qualification funding reform: sequencing of qualification withdrawals and managing transitions - maintaining progression routes, learner choice and provider stability during implementation
- access and fairness: questions around participation and affordability for SMEs and smaller providers - co-investment and funding rules - other flexible training routes
- local skills planning: potential impact of greater local influence over post-16 funding and investment decisions - evolving responsibilities of strategic and mayoral authorities
- coordination:
- alignment with Skills England priorities, Local Skills Improvement Plans, devolution and the Industrial Strategy - addressing shortages in priority sectors, such as clean energy
- balancing national consistency with local and sectoral requirements - ensuring provision remains responsive to changing workforce needs
Participation, progression & supporting learners
Further sessions focus on the impact of reform on learners and ways forward for translating qualification change into stronger participation and progression.
Overall areas for discussion include:
- choice and confidence: learner choice and accessibility during transition - maintaining opportunity as the offer is simplified - access and progression for adult learners
- supporting learners:
- smoothing transitions into employment and further learning - support for those with SEND and needing additional preparation
- role of Level 1 English and maths qualifications in supporting learner confidence, attainment and progression towards GCSE achievement
- progression: routes into Level 3 study, apprenticeships and employment - clear lines of sight from Level 2 and below
- NEET challenges: addressing regional disparities and supporting those at risk - the expanded Youth Guarantee, Trailblazers and the New Deal for Young People - the Milburn Review
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.
