V Levels
V Levels are new Level 3 vocational qualifications designed for students who enjoy learning about a particular industry or sector but want to keep their future options open. They sit alongside A Levels and T Levels, giving students three clear routes to choose from after GCSEs.
What is a V Level?
A V Level combines knowledge with practical, vocational learning. Rather than focusing entirely on academic study, you will explore how your subject is used in real organisations and workplaces and develop skills relevant to your chosen sector.
Each V Level is the same size as one A Level, giving you the flexibility to build a programme that matches your interests and future plans.
For example, you could study:
V Level + V Level + V Level
or
V Level + V Level + A Level
or
V Level + A Level + A Level
or
A Level + A Level + A Level
This means you don't have to choose between a completely academic or completely technical programme.
Who are V Levels for?
A V Level could be a great choice if you:
- enjoy learning through a mixture of theory and practical activities
- are interested in a particular career sector
- want to develop skills that have a real-world application
- would like to keep several career or university options open
- prefer vocational learning but don't necessarily want the occupational specialisation of a T Level
- would like the flexibility to combine vocational and academic subjects.
Browse V Levels
Accounting and Finance V Level
Digital Systems and Data V Level
Questions about V Levels
How are V Levels different?
- A Levels are primarily academic qualifications and are ideal if you enjoy studying subjects in depth through classroom-based learning.
- V Levels are broad vocational qualifications. They allow you to explore an employment sector, develop relevant knowledge and skills, and prepare for further study or employment.
- T Levels are larger technical programmes designed around specific occupational areas and include a substantial industry placement.
So, if you are interested in an industry but aren't yet sure exactly which job you want to do, a V Level could give you the opportunity to explore that sector while keeping your options open.
What subjects will be available?
The first V Levels will begin in September 2027 in:
- Digital Systems and Data
- Education
- Accounting and Finance
More V Level subjects are planned to follow from 2028 onwards.
Where can a V Level take me?
V Levels are being designed to support progression to higher-level study and employment.
After completing your programme, your next step could include:
- University – progress to a degree or other higher-level study.
- Higher or Degree Apprenticeship – continue learning while working towards a higher-level occupation.
- Higher Technical Qualification – develop specialist technical knowledge at Level 4 or 5.
- Employment – use the knowledge, skills and work-related behaviours you have developed to begin building your career.
V Level, A Level or T Level?
Not sure which route is right for you?
|
A Level |
V Level |
T Level |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Level |
Level 3 |
Level 3 |
Level 3 |
|
Main focus |
Academic |
Vocational |
Technical/occupational |
|
Size |
Usually one subject |
Equivalent to one A Level |
Equivalent to three A Levels |
|
Can I combine subjects? |
Yes |
Yes |
No - Studied as a full programme |
|
Industry placement |
No |
Not a defining requirement |
Yes |
|
Good for university? |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Good for apprenticeships? |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Good for employment? |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Why choose a V Level?
Keep your options open
Explore a career sector without having to decide on one specific occupation at 16.
Develop real-world skills
Learn how your knowledge can be applied to realistic workplace situations and challenges.
Create a programme that suits you
Combine V Levels with other V Levels or A Levels to create a study programme based around your strengths and ambitions.
Prepare for your next step
Develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that can help you progress to university, an apprenticeship, higher technical study or employment.
Your future. Your choice.
Choosing what to do after GCSEs is a big decision, and there isn't one route that's right for everyone.
Whether you prefer academic study, vocational learning or specialist technical training, the new post-16 system gives you different ways to reach your future goals.
A Levels. V Levels. T Levels.
Find the route that's right for you.
