ADVERTORIAL Futures start here.


New vocational qualifications from AQA, rolling out in England from 2027.


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QA is expanding into vocational education. In partnership with TQUK, an established vocational awarding organisation, we’re developing a new generation of Level 2 and Level 3 vocational qualifications for 16–19 year olds in England, helping every learner find the right route to their future.


Every learner deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential. But not every journey looks the same.


By expanding into vocational education, we can support even more learners through high- quality pathways that recognise different strengths, ambitions and destinations. Our new vocational offer will be introduced subject by subject from 2027, in line with the Government’s reforms to post-16 vocational qualifications in England, giving colleges and schools a new choice as the vocational landscape evolves.


Qualifications for every learner


Our vocational offer includes qualifications at both Level 2 and Level 3, creating clearer routes into higher education, apprenticeships and skilled employment.


V Levels are Level 3 qualifications that combine applied vocational learning with practical assessment, preparing learners for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and skilled careers.


Occupational Certificates are Level 2 qualifications that develop the knowledge and practical skills learners need for specific occupations.


Foundation Certificates are Level 2 qualifications that build confidence, develop core skills and support progression to further study.


Together, these qualifications give every learner clearer routes into their next step, while helping colleges and schools build a curriculum around the diverse ambitions of the young people they support.


A fresh choice, backed by trusted expertise


As the UK’s most chosen awarding organisation, AQA brings more than 120 years of trusted assessment expertise. Through our partnership with TQUK, part of the AQA Group, we’re combining that experience with specialist vocational knowledge.


TQUK brings a deep understanding of vocational qualification design, delivery and employer relationships, while AQA is trusted by generations of educators to deliver assessments with confidence.


Together, we’re developing vocational qualifications grounded in the realities of vocational education and backed by proven assessment expertise, shaped around the needs of learners, educators and the sectors they’ll progress into.


Our ambition is simple: clearer pathways, stronger outcomes and better support for every learner. Easy to implement. Simple to deliver.


Successful qualifications are about more than content on a specification. They need to work in real classrooms and colleges, with practical support behind them from the very beginning. Alongside our new qualifications, AQA and TQUK will provide clear guidance, curriculum planning resources, qualification summaries, free training, webinars and expert insight to help colleges and schools prepare with confidence.


Support will be tailored for senior leaders, curriculum leaders, teachers, exams officers and quality assurance teams, making it easier for every part of a centre to navigate the transition.


Your partner through vocational reform


The next chapter of vocational education is an opportunity to create more choice for learners and stronger pathways into their futures.


Working with more teachers than anyone else means our qualifications, resources and support are shaped by real insight. From planning and implementation through to first teaching and beyond, AQA and TQUK will work alongside colleges and schools every step of the way.


Because this is about more than introducing new qualifications. It’s about helping every learner find the right route to their future.


Discover our new vocational offer


Explore AQA’s new vocational qualifications, find out which subjects are rolling out from 2027, and sign up for updates at: u aqa.org.uk/vocational


October 2026 www.education-today.co.uk 11


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