V Levels: A New Vocational Pathway for Post-16 Learners

New vocational qualifications called V levels could be made available to school leavers from 2027, under government proposals to streamline post-16 further education pathways. 

V levels will sit alongside A levels and T levels giving young people a third level 3 study programme option before they get a job, take up an apprenticeship or go on to university.  

Unlike the technically based T level courses, which are equivalent to three A levels, V levels can be taken at the same time as A levels and will bring a vocational element to academic study. This way   learners will have a much broader introduction to a subject/industry area before they decide exactly what they want to specialise in.  

Take, for instance, a student looking to get into either the creative arts or the media industry. Under the planned changes, that learner would be able to opt for a mix of V Level and A levels – taking two V Levels, one in Craft and Design and one in Media, Broadcast and Production, plus one A Level in Music. Or, in another example, a student thinking of working in health or fitness, but who also wants to learn more about the digital sector, could do three V Levels in, say, Sport and Exercise Science, Digital and Health & Care Services. 

Tied to ‘vigorous real world job standards,’ V levels will replace other qualifications such as BTECs which are to be gradually phased out. They will, says the government ‘streamline the confusing landscape of approximately 900 equivalent vocational qualifications at level 3 currently available which mean learners and employers are unclear about the purpose and value of some qualifications.’ 

Onefile support for learners post 16  

Onefile provides comprehensive support to learners, employers and training providers involved in apprenticeships and T levels. 

And, as the leading learner management platform, we welcome moves that strengthen skills delivery, driving up standards and leaving young people better prepared for the world of employment or further study.  

The government is now seeking feedback on the design and implementation of V levels, and we will be closely following the outcome of its consultations.