Context
The uptake of T-levels is behind expectations, and the Government plans to defund BTECs during the current academic year. V-levels are not scheduled to be available until 2027.
Question
As the Minister will know, the uptake of T-levels is behind where we expected it to be and where many colleges would like it to be. Given that the Government are still intending to defund BTECs during the current academic year, given that T-levels are not having the uptake that they should have and given that V-levels are not coming on track until 7 October 2027, is the Minister confident that every young person will have access to a relevant course this September, and if not, what can he do about it? Will he consider pausing the defunding of BTECs until such time as V-levels come online?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
I thank the hon. Member for his leadership on these issues through the all-party parliamentary group on sixth form education, and for his local leadership as a constituency MP. I can reassure him that we will manage the transition carefully as these changes are introduced. We stand behind T-levels, which are a good option for many students, and we want to see the numbers increase. We have run a consultation which has now closed, and we are analysing the responses to ensure that all students experience a smooth transition.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a direct commitment on pausing BTEC defunding or ensuring access to courses by September 2026.
How: We Are Committed, We Will Manage The Transition Carefully
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