The government has announced the first three V Level subject areas for first teach September 2027, as Cambridge OCR calls for schools and colleges to be well supported as they prepare for the qualifications. 

The subject areas to be launched in the academic year 2027-28 are digital, finance and accounting, and education & early years. The government has also confirmed that these new V Levels will replace legacy Level 3 vocational and technical qualifications in these subject areas, which will be defunded for the academic year 2027-28.

Other existing qualifications will continue to be funded until V Levels in the same subject areas are introduced. The government’s timeline plans for additional subjects to be introduced as V Levels for first teach 2028.

Support for schools and colleges vital

Cambridge OCR has pledged to work with the government and wider sector to make the new qualifications a success, and is calling for support for schools and colleges to implement an ambitious timeline for the introduction of V Levels. 

Myles McGinley, Managing Director of Cambridge OCR, has written in The Times that schools and colleges would need "support and resources” to ensure they are prepared for the new qualifications within an ambitious timeframe. Responding to Monday's announcement, he also said: “We are ready to work with the government to share our expertise and experiences in vocational education to make V Levels a success."

In addition to the launch of V Levels, new Level 2 qualifications are also planned for first teach 2027, including Foundation Certificates in Digital and Education & Early Years. 

Existing qualifications: what happens next

What this means for existing Cambridge OCR Level 3 computing and IT vocational qualifications is set out on our dedicated page. Cambridge OCR will be keeping schools and colleges regularly updated with the latest news on V Level development, and can provide tailored support. Contact our partnerships team on partnerships@cambridge.org.