By SEN Parent Support Group™
The government has announced major changes to post‑16 education, starting from September 2027. These changes are meant to make the system clearer, more flexible, and easier for young people especially those with SEND to understand and navigate!
A New Third Option: V Levels
Right now, young people can choose:
- A Levels – academic
- T Levels – technical, with a long industry placement
From 2027, there will be a third option:
V Levels
A new vocational route for students who want to try different areas before specialising.
Key points:
- Each V Level = the size of one A Level
- Students can mix and match V Levels with A Levels
- Designed for young people who want practical learning without committing to a single occupation
- First subjects (from 2027):
- Digital
- Education & Early Years
- Finance & Accounting
This replaces the confusing mix of “other” Level 3 qualifications that weren’t A Levels or T Levels.
Why This Is Happening
Research by the DofE shows:
- Parents want clearer choices
- Many prefer a mix of academic and practical learning
- A quarter of parents say their child doesn’t understand their options
The reforms aim to:
- Make the system easier to understand
- Allow more flexibility
- Ensure qualifications are recognised by employers and universities
New Level 2 Pathways (GCSE‑Equivalent Level)
Two new pathways will be introduced for 16–18‑year‑olds working at Level 2.
1. Occupational Pathway
For young people who want to move straight into work or an apprenticeship.
- Two‑year programme
- Practical, job‑focused
- Designed around real industries
- First subjects (2027):
- Catering & Hospitality
- Education & Early Years
2. Further Study Pathway
For students who want to progress to A Levels, T Levels, or V Levels, but need more time and support first.
- Builds confidence
- Strengthens skills
- Bridges the gap to Level 3
- First subjects:
- Education & Early Years
- Digital / IT / Tech
This pathway is especially important for young people who may be at risk of becoming NEET. (A young person who is no longer in the education system and who is not working or being trained for work.)
Support for English & Maths
Many young people get stuck repeating GCSE English and maths.
From 2027:
- New English and maths qualifications will act as a stepping stone
- More teaching time
- More tailored support
- Aimed at helping students reach grade 4+ with less pressure
Providers will still have to support all 16–19‑year‑olds who haven’t yet achieved a grade 4.
Investment in Technical & Vocational Education
The government states it is also:
- Investing £800 million into 16–19 education (2026–27)
- Creating 29 new Technical Excellence Colleges
- Expanding T Levels into new subjects like:
- Sports, Fitness & Exercise Science
- Care Services
When Does This All Start?
- First V Levels and new Level 2 pathways begin September 2027
- Changes will be phased so schools and colleges can prepare
What This Means for SEND Families
For our community:
- Clearer routes for young people who don’t fit a purely academic path
- More flexibility to combine subjects
- Better stepping‑stone options for those who need more time
- More vocational choices without locking into a single career
- Improved support for English and maths resits
- Better protection against NEET outcomes
This is a significant shift and one that could genuinely help many SEND learners find a path that fits their strengths.
Do you have thoughts on these? We would love to hear them – join us here
Need assistance via 1:1 Support – Book here
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POST 16: Understanding the New V Levels and Qualification Changes (Starting 2027)
The government has announced major changes to post‑16 education, starting from September 2027. These changes are meant to make the system clearer, more flexible, and easier for young people especially those with SEND to understand and navigate!
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The Phone Ban Isn’t a SEND Ban: What Parents Need to Know About the New Government Guidance
Schools are being told they’ll be “backed” to enforce strict bans, Ofsted will check compliance, and from June onwards many families are receiving letters announcing zero‑tolerance policies. For most families, this is an inconvenience. For SEND families, it’s a panic. Because for many autistic, ADHD, PDA, or sensory‑sensitive children, a phone isn’t a social device …
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What happens if every specialist school consulted says they can’t meet your child’s needs?
When every specialist school consulted says they can’t meet your child’s needs, it can feel frightening and personal. In reality, this happens far more often than people realise, and it does not mean your child is “too complex” or that there is no suitable provision. In many cases, the child has been kept in an…
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Bridget Phillipson’s “This is What Progress Looks Like” Attendance Stats: Let’s Look Deeper!
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Why Schools Refuse to Start the EHCP Process — And What Parents Can Do Next
When a school refuses to request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA), it can feel personal, dismissive, and deeply frustrating. But in reality, refusals almost always fall into one of three categories and once you know which one you’re dealing with, you can take clear, strategic next steps. Here are the three reasons…
Communicating With School
- LETTER: To School Requesting Reasonable Adjustment for Mobile Phone
- RESOURCE: How To Write A Structured / Impactful Complaint (LA or School)
- LETTER: To School When They Enforce a Part Time Timetable Without Acknowledging Need
- LETTER: To School For Referral To OT/SALT/EP as Part of APDR Cycle
- RESOURCE: Eating Disorders and School Adjustments
All Things EHCP
- LETTER: To LA (Formal Notice) When Amendments Not Applied to Draft
- Annual Review During Your Appeal?
- LETTER: To LA When They Fail to Give extra 15 Days After Their Amendments
- LETTER: To LA When They Use Specialist Advisory Service (SAS) INSTEAD of Educational Psychologist During EHCPNA Process
- LETTER: LA Failure To Notify If Issuing the plan
Attendance, Exclusions & Sanctions
Complaints
- LETTER: To School Requesting Reasonable Adjustment for Mobile Phone
- RESOURCE: How To Write A Structured / Impactful Complaint (LA or School)
- LETTER: Formal Complaint for RTC Pause
- LETTER – Enforcing Interim Education S43 with LA + Escalation Letter + Tribunal Request
- LETTER: To School When Whole School Approach To Adjustments Is Not Applied Consistently (IEP or EHCP)
