What are V-Levels? The new education system for 16-year-olds

New vocational courses called V-Levels are to be rolled out as part of a major overhaul of the education system for pupils aged 16 to 19.

The government hopes the scheme will boost economic growth and address a skills gap, while giving pupils more flexibility in finding the career path that is right for them.

It is one of a number of reforms being introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) in an attempt to give students more options and prospects after they finish their GCSEs, aged 16.

“Technical and vocational education is the backbone of this country’s economy and central to breaking the link between background and success, helping hundreds of thousands of young people get the skills they need to get good jobs,” education secretary Bridget Phillipson said.

“But for too long it has been an afterthought. Young people have been left to navigate an overcomplicated landscape and [are] repeatedly labelled as ‘failures’ by a system that has held them back from all-important English and maths grades.

“Through our plan for change we are turning the tide. Our reforms are building a post-16 education system that truly matches young people’s aspirations and abilities, delivering the opportunity and growth our economy needs.”

Here’s what you need to know about the new V-Level qualification.

What are V-Levels?

V-Levels will replace the 900 vocational qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds, which are currently available alongside A- and T-Levels, the DfE said.

The department said the move will streamline the “confusing landscape” currently on offer.

Ministers are to set out plans for the third route alongside A-Levels and T-Levels in a new white paper on post-16 education and skills, which will be published on Monday.

The government also said it will launch a consultation to support the introduction of V-Levels.

The DfE said the move would also offer pupils more flexibility and let them explore key sectors – which could include engineering, agriculture or digital – before deciding where to specialise.

It said the V-Levels will offer more choice as pupils will be able to sit them alongside A-Levels, unlike T-Levels, which are equivalent to three A-Levels.

Welcoming the announcement, Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said it is “vital that post-16 students are provided with a choice of pathways which suit the interests and aspirations of different learners”.

“We have to get to grips with the fact that a very large number of young people are currently not in education, employment or training – ensuring that there are a range of excellent pathways available to all our students is essential in tackling this issue,” he added.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, added that “for too long”, while students following academic routes have “benefited from a clear and structured pathway”, those pursuing vocational options have faced “a confusing and under-resourced system”.

What are T-Levels?

Launched in September 2020, T-Levels are two-year technical courses taken after GCSEs, which are designed in collaboration with employers.

They started off with courses in design, surveying and planning for construction; digital production, design and development, and education and early years – but have since expanded to a choice of 21 courses.

One T-Level qualification is broadly equivalent to three A-Levels.

They offer practical and knowledge-based learning at school or college, and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours.

The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England.

T-Levels will continue to expand to other subject areas, the DfE said on Monday.

Are V-Levels the same as A-Levels?

A-Levels are academic subject-based courses, often intended for people who are thinking of going to university or who haven’t decided what job they want to do, according to UCAS.

The new V-Level qualifications are different in the sense that they are vocational courses which the DfE says will be “tied to rigorous and real-world job standards”.

Like A-Levels, V-Levels are both Level 3 qualifications – the next big step after GCSEs, which also include BTECs, T-Levels, apprenticeships and International Baccalaureate.

Students will be able to combine studying A-Levels and V-Levels, helping them keep their options open as they decide on their future study or career paths.

What other changes have there been to exams for schools?

The rollout of V-levels is one of a handful of educational reforms which will be backed by an additional £800m of funding for 16 to 19-year-olds in 2026/27.

It follows several other changes made to the qualification and exams system over the past few decades, including the introduction of AS levels in 2000.

These standalone qualifications give students an opportunity to study one additional subject before deciding what three A-Levels they study in their second year of post-GCSE education.

In 2010, A* grades were introduced for A-Levels to better recognise higher levels of achievement.

The move away from A-Level exams in January was introduced in 2013. The then Conservative government argued that students starting their course in September and immediately preparing for exams encouraged an overly modular “learn and forget” approach to studying.

For secondary school pupils, the change from a lettered A-G grading system to a numbered 9-1 system in 2017 was a major overhaul.

The government argued that there is more differentiation at the top of the scale, where grades 7, 8 and 9 together are equivalent to grades A and A* on the old scale.

Then there was the introduction of T-Level courses in 2020, which were developed in collaboration with employers and education providers “so that the content meets the needs of industry” and prepares students for skilled employment, apprenticeships or further technical study.

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