Ofqual has confirmed the assessment and design of the first tranche of V Levels and Foundation and Occupational Certificates for first teaching from September 2027.

V Level subjects in the first tranche are: Digital Systems and Data; Education; and Accounting and Finance. 

Following earlier consultation, Ofqual says the new regulations aim to provide a consistent national framework while allowing flexibility at subject level.  V Level design features will include:

• On-screen assessment to be permitted in two V Levels: Digital Systems and Data; and Accounting and Finance. Further decisions on on-screen assessment will be taken on a subject-by-subject basis. 
• A grading scale from A* to E and a P ‘pass’ grade, plus U for ungraded. At 360 guided learning hours, V Levels will be a similar size to, and can be taken alongside, A Levels. 
• Two forms of assessment: Timetabled assessment will make up 40% of the overall marks and other forms of assessment will account for the remaining 60%.  These proportions will be reviewed by Ofqual on a subject-by-subject basis as further V Levels are introduced. Timetabled assessments can include more ‘hands-on’ applied and practical tasks alongside written exams. Awarding Organisations will be encouraged to use a range of assessment types as appropriate to each subject.