Summary
This manual describes how and when the Department for Education (DfE) will approve technical and non-technical qualifications up to level 3 for funding for post-16 learners in England.
Non-technical qualifications are qualifications which are not based on the occupational standards, such as alternative academic qualifications.
These qualifications will be taught from 1 August 2026, for qualifications approved in the spring 2025 approval window.
Who this manual is for
This manual is for Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations.
When the manual will be reviewed
The manual will be updated to include additional information to support you with the funding approval process where required.
Previous versions of the manual are available in the National Archives.
Contents
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Summary of what this manual includes and where to find additional information.
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Which qualifications are in scope for funding approval.
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The stages of the funding approval process.
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How we will transition from the existing funding approval process to the new process, and how existing post-16 qualification offers will change.
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Criteria that all qualifications need to meet to be approved for funding.
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Funding approval criteria that alternative academic qualifications need to meet alongside the common approval and offer-specific criteria.
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Funding approval criteria that technical qualifications need to meet alongside the common approval and offer-specific criteria.
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This qualifications type is not included in the current funding approval round. This page is available for reference only.
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This qualifications type is not included in the current funding approval round. This page is available for reference only.
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Funding approval criteria that qualifications will need to meet for the 16 to 19 offer alongside the common approval and qualification-type criteria.
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Funding approval criteria that qualifications need to meet for the adult offers alongside the common approval and qualification-type criteria.
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How we manage changes once a qualification is approved for funding and how we monitor the qualification offers.
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How you can get in touch if you have any questions about the funding approval criteria or the process to approve qualifications for funding.
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Help with terms used in this manual
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High-level overview of the approval process.