Changes to post-16 technical qualifications to be announced
The Chancellor’s budget on Wednesday 8 March is expected to announce new technical qualifications for post-16 year olds.
The current system of 13,000 different qualifications will be replaced with just 15 standalone courses, dubbed the ’T-levels’, and was one of the key recommendations of Lord Sainsbury's review into technical education.
Courses could include engineering and manufacturing, business and administration, catering and hospitality, construction and social care.
It is hoped these changes will improve the UK’s technical capabilities after Brexit.
The government has also given an extra £500 million each year to increase the amount of training available for 16- to 19-year olds on the courses, amounting to over 900 hours a year.
Read moreLatest News
20/04/2026 - 11:50
A creative careers programme which aims to inspire young people to explore careers across the creative industries has reached 210,000 young people since 2023.
20/04/2026 - 09:19
The Education Committee has published the government’s response to its report on improving the school estate and dealing with RAAC.
17/04/2026 - 10:24
The government is inviting EdTech companies and AI labs to develop AI tutoring tools, in collaboration with teachers, to ensure they support classroom practice.
17/04/2026 - 09:53
The government has rolled out new guidance and practical advice to help families get children ready for school
16/04/2026 - 12:03
Job adverts for secondary school teaching roles have dropped to their lowest level in nine years, raising fresh concerns about teacher recruitment in England.
