Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Written Statement of 25 July 2024 on Technical Qualifications Reform, UIN HCWS22, what the scope of the review is.

The review of Qualifications Reform has already begun and will focus on Level 3 qualifications currently scheduled to have funding removed on 31 July 2025. It will aim to ensure that there are a range of high quality qualifications at Level 3 alongside T Levels and A levels to meet the needs of learners and employers.

The department will also clarify the position on the wider qualifications landscape, given that the previous government had made statements about funding expectations going forward. We will aim to do that as soon as we can, after the review. However, clarifying the position on the 2025 defunding list is our top priority.

My noble Friend, the Minister for Skills is overseeing the internal review, which is being undertaken by civil servants. We have already held a Ministerial chaired round table with key leaders in the college sector and are undertaking a series of focus groups with colleges, schools and other organisations to ensure that the views of stakeholders are fully considered.

The outcomes of the review will be published before the end of the year.