DfE confirms first V Level subjects under major post‑16 education reforms

The first cohort of post-16 learners will be able to study for V levels in Education, Finance and Digital in 2027, with further V level subjects to be rolled out over the next few years.

Unveiled during 2025, V levels are a new vocational level 3 qualification, equivalent to one A level, which will sit alongside technically based T levels and A levels. Part of government landmark reforms to post-16 education, they are being introduced to provide ‘learning around real jobs and the skills employers actually need’ says the Department for Education.

Unlike T levels, which are equivalent to three A levels, learners can take V levels at the same time as A levels. By studying for a vocational qualification, students will, says the DfE, get a deeper insight into a subject/industry before they settle on a specialism.

The DfE has also announced further expansion of T levels, with Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science, as well as Care Services among new subjects joining the list. To improve learners’ access to T levels and tailor placements more effectively to industry needs, refinements will be made to T levels’ course content and assessments.

The DfE is also introducing The Occupational pathway, a separate two‑year, work‑focused route for learners looking to go straight into employment or an apprenticeship. Backed by a new Occupational Certificate qualification, it will deliver extra support to lower attainers while they acquire the skills that they’ll need to get a job or become an apprentice.

And as from next year, 16‑year‑olds will be able to take new qualifications, initially in Education and Early Years, and Digital, which will give them 12 months’ study time before they progress to V levels, T levels or A levels. The Further Study pathway, supported by a new Foundation Certificate qualification, is for students who haven’t yet attained the grades at GCSE or equivalent needed to move on to any of these level 3 courses.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“Our bold reforms will end the snobbery in post-16 education, supporting young people with real choice and real opportunity to build secure, future‑proof careers.

Not only that, but it will give parents much-needed confidence in a system that values every route to success – academic, technical or vocational – as we continue driving forward our mission to ensure two‑thirds of young people are in education, training or apprenticeships by 25.”

The minister was responding to published consultation on the new qualifications set out in the government’s post-16 education and skills white paper.

In its paper, the government called for a more joined up approach to skills and employment, with a focus on improving employer engagement and providing more flexibility through the Growth and Skills Levy.

Aimed at assisting more young people gain higher level qualifications and apprenticeships, it states: ‘the Growth and Skills Levy will play a key role, alongside the Youth Guarantee, in ensuring that young people are prioritised to progress more quickly into skilled, well-paid jobs that will power economic growth and reduce the number of NEETs, young people Not in Education, Employment or Training.’

It also wants employers to be able to use their levy funds on short, flexible training courses, known as apprenticeship units starting as of April 2026. These courses, to be made available in critical skills areas – initially AI, Digital and Engineering – will says the government, help employers respond quickly to evolving skills needs and invest in workforce development.

It adds: “Apprenticeship units will complement existing apprenticeships and be based on employer-designed occupational standards using quality-assured knowledge and skills, giving employers confidence around their legitimacy, content and quality of training.”

Reiterating its pledge to help young people post 16 to secure apprenticeships, the government said it would be offering tailored support as part of the Youth Guarantee to those who are NEET or at risk of being NEET.

Onefile’s commitment to post-16 learning

Thanks to many years’ experience working with clients in all sectors, we at Onefile know just how much the skills landscape is changing – and what that means when it comes to managing your learners.

There are so many different routes open now to help people attain and develop skills. That’s a good thing, but new skills pathways can mean new funding, compliance and reporting rules to contend with.

But whether your learners are on an entry level foundation apprenticeship or studying for a degree apprenticeship, our platform can support them – and you – every step of the way. It’s not only courses and qualifications that will help transform post-16 education – employers and training providers need the right learner management platforms too.

To learn how Onefile can support you, contact us today for a Discovery call.