The Government has announced new ‘V Levels’ to sit alongside A Levels and T Levels as part of a major reform of post-16 education.

A jointly-penned White Paper from three Departments sets out the Government’s vision for post-16 education and skills covering a huge range of proposals for educating and training the workforce to give people the skills and knowledge needed to deliver the industrial strategy and improve the economy.

“High-quality” pathways into Further and Higher Education feature strongly in the White Paper with ‘V Levels’ announced as replacements for vocational and technical qualifications at Level 3.  Sitting alongside A Levels and T Levels, ‘V Levels’ will become the only pathway of vocational qualifications at Level 3 for 16 to 19-year-olds.

‘V Levels’ will be offered in a range of vocational subjects covering key employment sectors, based on nationally set content linked to occupational standards. They are expected to be similar in size to an A Level to allow learners the flexibility to explore different areas.  The current range of vocational and technical qualifications will be simplified into this single pathway.

The new qualifications will be rolled out over a four-year period from 2027.

In addition to post-16 changes at Level 3, the White Paper sets out details for the development of two pathways at Level 2 – occupational or further study. Each pathway will be a 16-19 study programme and will have a relevant qualification, and English and maths where needed, at its heart.

A consultation setting out further detail for ‘V Levels’ and two new pathways at Level 2 in post-16 education has been launched.

The White Paper also announces the introduction of English and maths GCSE Level 1 qualifications for post-16 students, aiming to provide foundation skills in order to be able to progress on to the Level 2 GCSE.  Those attaining grade 3 GCSE at age 16 would continue to access the Level 2 GCSE directly.  Consultation is planned for 2026.

What else? 
The 70-page White Paper covers many more areas of education and skills including strengthening the role of schools in the transition to post-16 education, improving career advice and introducing 2 weeks’ worth of work experience throughout secondary education, guaranteeing a reserved college pace for all 16-year-olds, increasing support and outcomes for learners with SEND in post-16 provision, expanding Technical Excellence Colleges, and strengthening the Higher Education sector including new targets for two-thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning – academic, technical or apprenticeships – by age 25. Working with employers as part of a joined-up skills system also features heavily in the White Paper.