V Levels: the new post-16 option in England

29 April 2025

What are V Levels and who are they for?

V Levels are the government’s new vocational qualifications for 16–19s in England, planned to sit alongside A levels and T Levels from 2027. They’re designed to simplify a confusing patchwork of courses and give students a clear, mix-and-match route if they want something practical but not as narrowly job-specific as a T Level.

The idea in one minute

What they are: Level 3 (A-level standard) qualifications with strong vocational content, linked to employer-set standards – so students build real-world skills while keeping options open.
How they fit: You can take more than one V Level, or combine them with A levels. Think “build your programme” rather than one giant course.
Where they lead: Work, higher/degree apprenticeships, or university – just as with other Level 3 routes (universities will publish their entry rules as the qualifications are finalised).

How V Levels differ from A levels and T Levels

A levels are academic and subject-pure (great if you love exam-based study and want broad university options).
T Levels are large, single programmes tied to a specific occupation and come with a substantial industry placement (ideal if you already know your career area).
V Levels sit in the middle: sector-based, practical, and modular/combinable – good for students who want hands-on learning without committing to one occupational route from day one.

Likely subjects

The government consultation’s indicative list spans areas such as Digital; Finance & Accounting; Engineering & Manufacturing; Business; Health & Care; Education & Early Years; Media & Production; Arts & Design; Animal Care; Protective Services; Sport; Travel & Tourism, and more. The final list will be confirmed after consultation.

Timeline

Now: Government consultation has begun on the detailed design.
From 2027: First V Levels expected to launch, with a phased roll-out over several years (so availability will grow each year).

What families should do next

Ask local colleges/sixth forms which V Level subjects they plan to offer from 2027 and how these can pair with A levels.
If you’re choosing for 2026: expect current options (A levels, T Levels, and selected vocational courses) to continue; defunding of older courses will align with the V Levels roll-out.
Thinking about university? Keep an eye on individual course pages and UCAS updates – providers will set how they accept V Levels once specifications are final.

Bottom line: V Levels are meant to make choices simpler: academic (A), technical (T), and now vocational (V) – with room to mix and match. If your child learns best through applied projects and wants flexibility, V Levels are well worth a look.