Foundation Certificates

Foundation Certificate Tag page

In May 2026 (20th May 2026), DfE announced two new qualifications for what DfE announced as ‘lower attaining students’ to support them to progress beyond GCSEs

Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates

For 16-year-olds who are not ready to progress beyond GCSEs due to lower attainment, there are two new qualifications:

• Foundation Certificates: one-year courses for students who want to progress to A-levels, T-levels or V-levels but need extra support to pass their GCSEs.

• Occupational Certificates: two-year courses for those who want to get into work or an apprenticeship but need support to achieve English and Maths GCSEs.

From 2028 there will be Foundation Certificates in engineering, health, legal services, and social care.

In April 2026, DfE highlighted their intention to create the Foundation Certificates. Each Foundation Certificate will be between 240 and 300 GLH. They will form part of a further study pathway providing broad scope in a specific vocational area, and may be taken alongside English and maths qualifications.

The first Foundation Certificates will be available from September 2027 in digital systems and data and education and early years

Check out the tag page below on Foundation Certificates