New Level 3 travel and tourism qualifications to start in 2026

New Level 3 travel and tourism qualifications for students aged 16‑19 look set to start in September 2026.

The Technical Occupational Qualifications (TOQs) in Travel & Tourism and Aviation have been developed by awarding organisation NCFE, in partnership with the Tourism Industry Skills Working Group (TISWG), with feedback from the trade.

The group was set up in April 2023 in response to the Department for Education’s review of post-16 qualifications and the need for a replacement travel qualification.

Vicki Wolf, Abta’s head of education and career development, said: “The TISWG has done fantastic work over the last 12 months to develop a new course which meets the needs of travel businesses.

“It has been shaped by industry to address the skills and knowledge they want from future employees.

“The course is broad enough to offer routes of entry into the industry, whether that is going on to a higher education course in travel and tourism, going straight into the workforce or an apprenticeship.”

David Rowley, NCFE product manager, said: “The submission date for this cycle of the reforms was June 21, but naturally that was paused until after the election. As soon as we hear about a new submission date, we will send it off.

“Abta has been particularly noteworthy in polling members and creating a set of 10 key themes that industry wants to see.

“The final qualification will be the size of three A-levels, meaning a two-year programme containing the skills that employers need, but also credited with a large number of Ucas [universities admissions] points.”

John Garside, travel and tourism lecturer at Birmingham Metropolitan College, has helped to develop the new diplomas.

He noted the new government is reviewing the reform of post‑16 qualifications, adding: “If the decision is to continue with the Level 3 reforms, the new qualifications are ready to be submitted for approval.

“If the decision is to continue with the current qualification, then the new refreshed content would look to be included in the existing provision, which would enhance the current qualifications, so this should hopefully be a win-win.

“All this has demonstrated the benefits of effective collaboration between industry, awarding bodies and education centres.”

Claire Steiner, HR and talent professional, said: “The ongoing collaboration between industry and education has been instrumental in driving forward the goal of creating new, fit-for-purpose qualifications to bring tourism, hospitality and aviation teaching up to date for Level 3 and will no doubt help inform the development of other levels as we continue to support high quality education for the future.”