The Department for Education (DfE) is changing the technical and vocational qualification system for 16 to 19 year olds in England. This includes new Level 3 V Levels and new Level 2 pathways, planned from September 2027.
Cambridge OCR intends to offer V Levels from 2027, with subjects and details confirmed through the DfE process.
This page sets out the current state of play for Level 3 V Levels, what’s confirmed so far, and where we are still waiting for more detail.
V Levels are new applied vocational qualifications. They are for 16-19 year olds students in England and will sit alongside A Levels and T Levels. Each V Level is equivalent in size to one A Level, allowing students to create mixed study programmes that suit them.
They are designed to:
- support progression to further study, including higher education and apprenticeships
- offer applied learning linked to broad occupational areas
- give students a vocational route that is flexible and not fully specialised.
The DfE has not yet confirmed the detailed assessment models or final qualification content. Further detail will be published as qualifications are developed.
V Levels
First teaching from September 2027
V Levels will initially be available in the following subjects:
- Digital
- Education and Early Years
- Accounting and Finance
Level 2 qualifications
Available from September 2027
Level 2 qualifications will be available in the following subject areas:
Level 2 Foundation Certificates
- Digital
- Education and Early Years
Level 2 Occupational Certificates
- Education and Early Years
- Hospitality and Catering
You do not need to change everything at once. The DfE expects a phased transition.
Plan programmes during phased rollout
V Levels can be combined with A Levels and other Level 3 funded qualifications (whilst they continue to be funded) in a post-16 programme of study.
Plan prospectuses and open events
Many centres are describing pathways rather than listing individual qualifications, until more detail is confirmed. This helps students and parents understand the direction of travel without over‑promising.
The DfE has not yet confirmed detailed assessment approaches. The DfE has heard strong feedback from the sector about accessibility, inclusion and fair assessment, and we expect this to be reflected as qualifications are developed. We will share updates as soon as they are available.
At Cambridge OCR, we are committed to making assessment straightforward.