UK Government announces plans to introduce V Levels as part of post-16 education reform
The UK Government has announced plans to introduce new V Levels from 2027 — flexible, vocational qualifications designed to sit alongside A Levels and T Levels, providing students with more choice to combine academic and practical learning.
20 October 2025
In an announcement on Monday, 20th October, the UK government stated that these are new vocational qualifications tied to rigorous and real-world job standards. They will replace other qualifications to sit alongside T Levels and A levels, providing a clear option for young people who want to get on in the world of work, university or apprenticeships but want to explore different key sectors, which could include engineering, agriculture, digital or creative, before choosing where to specialise.Unlike T Levels, which are equivalent to 3 A Levels, young people will be able to take a mixture of V Levels and A Levels – offering more choice and flexibility.
For example, a student wanting to get into either the creative arts or media industry could choose to do a mixed V Level and A level study programme, by taking two V Levels (one in Craft and Design; and one in Media, Broadcast and Production) and one A Level in Music. Or, a student wanting to get into either the health or fitness industry – but also wants to learn more about digital – could do three V Levels (in Sport and Exercise Science; Digital; and Health and Care services).The government hopes that the new qualification will streamline the confusing landscape of approximately 900 equivalent vocational qualifications at level 3 currently available to 16 to 19-year-olds, which means learners and employers are unclear about the purpose and value of some qualifications.Education experts say these changes come at a crucial time. As the UK continues to face skills shortages in key industries, particularly in technology, green energy, and healthcare, a more streamlined and vocationally focused system will help ensure that education aligns with the needs of both students and employers.A consultation on how the new pathways will work in practice has now been launched, with full details to be confirmed in the forthcoming Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.Read more https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/new-v-levels-and-post-16-qualifications-explained/
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For example, a student wanting to get into either the creative arts or media industry could choose to do a mixed V Level and A level study programme, by taking two V Levels (one in Craft and Design; and one in Media, Broadcast and Production) and one A Level in Music. Or, a student wanting to get into either the health or fitness industry – but also wants to learn more about digital – could do three V Levels (in Sport and Exercise Science; Digital; and Health and Care services).The government hopes that the new qualification will streamline the confusing landscape of approximately 900 equivalent vocational qualifications at level 3 currently available to 16 to 19-year-olds, which means learners and employers are unclear about the purpose and value of some qualifications.Education experts say these changes come at a crucial time. As the UK continues to face skills shortages in key industries, particularly in technology, green energy, and healthcare, a more streamlined and vocationally focused system will help ensure that education aligns with the needs of both students and employers.A consultation on how the new pathways will work in practice has now been launched, with full details to be confirmed in the forthcoming Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.Read more https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/new-v-levels-and-post-16-qualifications-explained/
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