What are V Levels - and how will they help my teen go to university or get a job?

V Levels are a new sixth form qualification to be introduced in September 2027, so let's take a look at what they’re about and whether they'll suit your teen.

V Levels offer flexibility for students that aren't sure what they want to do as a job and don't suit classroom style learning with exams; so taking all A levels isn't for them because all the results depend on examinations and T Levels might feel too industry specific. Whether your teen plans to stop studies after sixth form, get a job or head to university to take a degree, read on to see whether V Levels could a good choice for them.

What are V Levels?

V Levels, or Vocational Level Qualifications, which will be introduced as of September 2027. One V level will be equivalent to one A level, but with a higher proportion of non-exam assessment and will suit practical learners. The course lasts for 2 years.

Students can study a selection of V Levels or mix and match different qualification types (i.e. V Levels and A levels, or V Levels and BTEC). This will give them greater flexibility in choosing qualifications that suit their learning style.

The introduction of V levels will provide students with three distinct routes to getting qualifications after GCSE:

1. The academic route (classrooms learning and exams) - A ("Advanced") levels

2. The technical route (specialism in an industry area with classroom learning and industry placement graded through a combination of coursework, workplace assessment and exams) - T levels

3. The vocational route (opportunity for students to explore different industry sectors and gain qualifications with a mix of coursework and exams - V Levels

V Levels are a level 3 qualification and provide an alternative to A levels, T Levels, apprenticeships, IB, BTEC and other courses aimed at 16-19 year olds.

Can V Levels help my teen go on to get further qualifications afterwards?

Yes! There are lots of different ways students can go on to get additional qualifications, right up to degree level. The academic route (often A level) is the one most parents think of when considering going on to university. If your teen doesn't enjoy classroom learning or isn't good at sitting exams, they could choose the work route (apprenticeships), technical route (T Levels) or vocational route (V Levels) - instead.

V Levels will sit alongside other qualifications in Level 3

What can my teen study for V Levels?

There will be a variety of courses options, introduced gradually from September 2027 through 2031.

The first courses offered in September 2027 will focus on sectors with a high demand for skilled professionals, such as Digital, Education and Early Years, and Finance and Accounting.

From 2028, courses will expand to include:

• Business and Administration

• Care Services

• Construction and the Built Environment

• Engineering and Manufacturing

• Health and Science

• Legal (as part of the legal, finance and accounting route)

• Sales, Marketing and Procurement

• Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science

What's involved in taking a V Level?

V Levels focus on applied learning, blending theory with hands-on practical skills. Courses will include classroom learning, project work, assessments and industry work placements.

Assessment will be a mix of exams, coursework and projects, with a higher proportion of the grade coming from non-exam assessments (such as portfolios and practical tasks) to test "real-world" skills, although parts of the course will be assessed with examinations.

How will my child be graded?

Students will be graded at the end of the course.

Can my child apply to university after completing their V Level?

Yes! V Level will have a similar grading system to A levels and grades will have a UCAS point value so they can be used towards university entry. The exact grading table will be announced soon.

Can V Levels help my teen get a job?

Yes! V Levels are designed to ensure students gain the technical, digital, and interpersonal skills in demand by employers. If your teen wants to go straight to work after sixth form, V levels will give them a good foundation to get a job.

How could taking a V Level help my teen?

V Levels give students greater flexibility in choosing subjects and learning styles that best suit their preferences, increasing the likelihood that they will get good results at the end of the course.

Where can my teen study V Levels?

V Levels will be offered at schools and colleges.

Summary

V Levels are an exciting option for sixth form education that provide a recognised qualification tailored to industry needs and skills. It’s a great choice for students that want to mix and match their sixth form qualification types, regardless of whether they want to go on to study for a degree, take alternative further education or go straight into the workplace after sixth form.

For more information, check out the following:

Everything you need to know about your child's choices at 16 years old

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