Post-16 Level 2 Vocational qualifications
Find a Post-16 Level 2 Vocational qualifications subject
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Level 2 BTEC qualifications for 16-19-year-olds and adults have become synonymous with successfully providing learners with different routes to their chosen career.
Each BTEC is designed to help learners develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to confidently progress to further study, an apprenticeship, or employment, enabling them to achieve their goals in a way that suits their style of learning.
Post-16 reform: Introduction of new qualifications
The government has confirmed that the two new level 2 pathways will be first introduced from 2027/28.
Below is a timeline of what we know now.
The DfE are committed to publishing a full Implementation Plan in June 2026.
Occupational Certificates
- Catering and Hospitality
- Education and Early Years
Foundation Certificates
- Digital
- Education and Early Years
Occupational certificates
- Business and Administration
- Care Services
- Construction and the Built
Environment - Digital
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Finance and Administration
- Health and Science
- Sports and Leisure
Foundation certificates
- Business, Administration and Law
- Care Services
- Construction and the Built
Environment - Engineering and Manufacturing
- Health and Science
- Sports, Fitness and Exercise
Science
Occupational certificates
- Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
- Hair and Beauty
- Horticulture and Floristry
Foundation certificates
- Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
- Catering and Hospitality
- Hair and Beauty
- Protective Services
Occupational certificates
- Art and Performing Arts
- Creative and Design
- Travel and Tourism
For more information
Why choose BTEC at Level 2
We have two different qualification routes available both with the same rigorous development but each with their own focus:
Technical route
Practical qualifications designed to give your learners the skills and knowledge they will need to go straight into employment, an apprenticeship or to further technical study.
Qualifications available:
NEW BTEC Technicals (2025 Technical Occupational Entry qualifications)
Academic route
Qualifications designed to support progression to Level 3 study such as BTEC Level 3 Nationals, BTEC Specialist qualifications or A levels.
Qualifications available:
View the latest qualifications in your sector
Art and Design:
L2 Skills: Art and Design Skills
L2 Technicals: Design Production
Creative Media:
BTEC Firsts: Creative Digital Media Production
L2 Skills: Creative Media Skills
Music
L2 Skills: Music Industry Skills
Performing Arts
L2 Skills: Performing and Productin Arts Industry Skills
Find a Post-16 Level 2 Vocational qualifications subject
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Find a Post-16 Level 2 Vocational qualifications subject
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Latest information: Post-16 Education and Skills
Following the outcome of the DfE consultation on post-16 level 3 and below pathways in England released on 10 March 2026, we know you'll have questions about what this means for you and your students. We want to provide you with clear information and reassurance.
All five NEW BTEC Level 2 Technicals are approved for funding for first teach from September 2025.
Our post-16 Level 2 BTEC Technical offer
Get to know our BTEC Technical offer