V Levels Explained
V Levels are a new qualification that will be a high-quality vocational alternative to A-levels. They’re intended for learners who prefer applied learning but are not ready to focus their studies on a single occupation.
At the bottom of this page you can find some Department for Education resources with further information on V Levels and the post-16 education reforms.
Note: We regularly review our entry requirements. Please check our course pages for up-to-date course-specific entry requirements.
What are V Levels?
V Levels will:
- simplify a complex vocational landscape
- give learners flexibility to combine academic and vocational study
- make future pathways clearer for learners, including progression to higher education or training, apprenticeships or skilled employment
- be the same size as one A-level
- replace current vocational qualifications like BTECs.
How are V Levels different from existing qualifications?
While A Levels are academic and classroom-based, V Levels are vocational qualifications and are more applied. They might include practical tasks, projects, workplace experience or assessments based on real-world scenarios.
V Levels don’t focus on a single occupation and don’t require long industry placements. They allow learners to combine vocational and academic study to keep their options open for whatever they want to do next. Learners might choose to do only V Levels, or a mix of V Levels and A Levels.
