DfE announces reformed qualifications approved for funding from August 2025

The Department for Education (DfE) set out changes to level 3 and below qualifications following the post-16 qualification review in England. DfE has now published a list of Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) that have been approved for public funding at level 3 from 1 August 2025, including new City & Guilds qualifications.

17 May 2024

At City & Guilds we are committed to helping more learners access the skills they need to go on to fulfilling careers. We are focused on the development of skills and knowledge through our qualifications, and we work hard to ensure these give learners the best experience possible as they complete their programmes within the framework set out by government.

We continually review our provision, and the post-16 education reforms in England have provided further opportunity to evolve and develop our qualifications. The new qualifications that DfE have approved are designed to ensure learners have the right mix of qualifications available to them, and that they are supported to progress through a classroom-based funded system to enable them to progress onto the next phase of their education or into employment.

We will work closely with our customers to give them the right support, advice and guidance to ensure a smooth process. Go to our reform web page for more information and to download our sector overview guides which will help you plan your curriculum with City & Guilds over the coming years.

Department for Education announcement

List of new qualifications approved for funding