Client Note: Update on Applied General Qualifications (AGQs) and Transition to T Levels

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed a pause in the defunding of Applied General Qualifications (AGQs), including diplomas and extended diplomas, while T Levels continue to be phased in.

What this means for providers

2026/27 academic year
No qualifications that were previously scheduled for defunding will be removed. Schools and colleges can continue to enrol students on a full range of AGQs, including:

• Diplomas and Extended Diplomas in Health and Social Care
• Applied Science
• Information Technology (IT)

A student who withdraws to start again may have to enrol on the “new” qualification as a new start in this subject would not be allowed

2027/28 academic year

• Enrolment will continue for most diploma-sized qualifications
• Extended Diplomas will largely be withdrawn
• Exception: the Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care will remain available
• IT is expected to be an exception where diploma enrolment will not continue

Key guidance and resources

DfE transition plan (T Level rollout and qualification changes):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-post-16-qualifications-at-level-3-in-england

Pearson list of funded qualifications:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/funding.html

Check if a learning aim is funded :
https://find-learning-aims.services.gov.uk/

Implications

This decision provides short-term stability for curriculum planning and learner recruitment, particularly in sectors where AGQs remain well-established. However, the staged removal of Extended Diplomas (outside specific exceptions) reinforces the continued shift towards T Levels and smaller qualifications over the medium term.

Sixth Forms should continue to review their curriculum offer against the transition timeline and confirm funding eligibility for specific learning aims ahead of September 2026 enrolment

CHECK THAT ALL AIMS RECORDED ARE UPTODATE

IF SOME AIMS ARE NO LONGER FUNDED THE PLANNED HOURS WILL BE REMOVED AND FUNDING MAY BE REDUCED The RISK is up to around £850/per unfunded aim