Planning for Your Future with Confidence
The Government is introducing changes to vocational and technical qualifications for young people aged 16 to 19 in England. These reforms will be phased in between 2027 and 2031 and will affect some Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications currently offered by us.
We are working closely with awarding organisations, employers and sector bodies to ensure that every student has access to high-quality qualifications that support progression into university, Apprenticeships and employment.
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I am applying now. Will my course change?
If you apply for a course and the qualification attached to that course is later withdrawn or loses government funding before you start studying, you will not lose your offer of a conditional/unconditional place with us.
Instead, we will:
- Offer you a place on to the most appropriate replacement qualification available.
- Ensure the replacement programme provides a similar progression route.
- Contact you in advance if any changes affect your application.
- Provide guidance and support to help you understand your options.
Our commitment is that students who have applied in good faith will be supported throughout the transition to the new qualifications.
Important: While we will offer an equivalent replacement programme where required, all standard college admissions requirements, entry criteria and enrolment conditions will continue to apply.
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Why are Qualifications changing?
The reforms aim to simplify the qualifications available to young people and create clearer progression pathways after GCSEs. Over the coming years, some existing vocational qualifications will be replaced by a new structure that includes:
Level 3 Qualifications
- A Levels – academic programmes.
- T Levels – technical qualifications linked closely to industry.
- V Levels (new) – vocational qualifications designed to develop occupational knowledge and skills.
Level 2 Qualifications
- Foundation Certificates – preparing students for further study at Level 3.
- Occupational Certificates – preparing students for employment and career progression.
These changes will be introduced gradually across different subject areas.
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Will my Career Progression be affected?
No. The purpose of the reforms is to strengthen progression opportunities and ensure qualifications better reflect employer and industry needs. Whether your goal is to:
- Progress to university
- Secure an Apprenticeship
- Move directly into employment
- Continue onto a higher-level course
Our curriculum teams will ensure you are enrolled on a qualification that supports your chosen pathway.
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What happens next?
As of August 2026, many qualifications currently available remain funded and accessible. Where changes are planned, we will update applicants as soon as information becomes available from the Department for Education and awarding organisations.
Students and parents do not need to take any action at this stage.
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Need further advice?
If you have questions about a course you have applied for or would like to discuss how qualification reforms may impact your future plans, our Admissions Team at each College site will be happy to help:
Carshalton Admissions: Admissions.Carshalton@stcg.ac.uk
Kingston Admissions: Admissions.Kingston@stcg.ac.uk
Merton Admissions: Admissions.Merton@stcg.ac.uk
South Thames Admissions: Admissions.Wandsworth@stcg.ac.ukAdditionally, we are planning live webinars hosted by our Schools Partnership Team to over the coming months, further details will be available shortly.
