In 2020, there were more than 12,000 vocational qualifications at all levels, offered by more than 150 awarding bodies, according to Ofcl, which oversees qualifications in England.
Plans to streamline post-16 education by previous Conservative governments meant many BTecs and other Level 3 courses. They were due to lose fundsto make way for the new T levels Eligibility
However, the Labor government halted and reviewed the plans, and has since announced that 157 qualifications will not be axed as planned.
They include “Major Courses” in “Major Fields”, externalsaid the DfE, such as agriculture, engineering, manufacturing and health and social care.
Some have funding confirmed until July 2026 and others until July 2027.
The government also confirmed that funding will still be withdrawn from 1 August 2025 for those with “low or no enrolment” over 200 qualifications.
Sarah Hanafin, head of policy at school leaders’ union NAHT, said the announcement provided “much-needed clarity” for schools and colleges.
“The previous government’s desire that A-levels and T-levels would be the only two qualification pathways after 16 would have failed to meet the needs and aspirations of many students,” he added.
The government has confirmed that the roll-out of T-levels will continue.
In the first three years, T-levels are delayed, higher dropout rates and An exam board is being fined £300,000. More than “major failures” with papers.