V Levels to replace 900 vocational qualifications, offering young people more flexibility and clearer career pathways, backed by £800 million in new funding.
The UK government has announced a sweeping reform of post-16 education with the introduction of V Levels, a new suite of vocational qualifications for students aged 16 to 19. Designed to sit alongside A Levels and T Levels, these qualifications aim to modernise technical education and better align it with real-world industry needs.
The reform, led by the Department for Education (DfE), is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that two-thirds of young people progress to university or technical education after school, central pledge made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the introduction of V Levels as “a long overdue transformation of vocational learning” and “a vital step in breaking the link between background and opportunity.”
“Technical and vocational education is the backbone of this country’s economy,” Phillipson said. “For too long, it has been an afterthought. Through our Plan for Change, we are building a post-16 education system that truly matches young people’s aspirations and abilities.”
V Levels will replace over 900 existing vocational qualifications and will be designed around rigorous, industry-recognised job standards, ensuring young people gain skills directly relevant to future employment. The qualifications will also provide flexibility, allowing students to combine vocational and academic study.
For example:
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A student interested in the creative arts or media could take one A Level in English Literature alongside two V Levels in Craft and Design and Media, Broadcast and Production.
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A student drawn to health and fitness but also curious about technology could study V Levels in Sport and Exercise Science, Digital, and Health and Care Services.
To support the rollout, the government has pledged an additional £800 million in funding for 16–19 education in 2026/27. This will include the creation of 14 new Technical Excellence Colleges in industries aligned with the government’s Industrial Strategy — ensuring that the new system is supported by cutting-edge facilities and training opportunities.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by education leaders. Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), called the new framework “a significant step forward for vocational education.”
“For too long, the post-16 qualifications framework has lacked coherence and clarity,” Kebede said. “These reforms present an important opportunity to deliver greater fairness, consistency, and quality for all learners.”
However, Kebede also emphasised that teacher pay and resourcing must be addressed if the reforms are to succeed. “The chronic issue of low pay among post-16 teachers and lecturers needs urgent attention,” he added.
Alongside the launch of V Levels, the government has announced a new qualification for students who do not achieve a pass in GCSE English and Maths. The qualification will act as a stepping stone to resitting the exams, helping young people gain the “vital pass” required for future study and employment.
With the white paper on post-16 education and skills due to be published on Monday, the introduction of V Levels represents one of the most significant overhauls of the UK education system in decades.
By combining flexibility, employer engagement, and financial investment, the government hopes to build a future where every young person, whether pursuing university or a technical route, has access to high-quality, purposeful education.
As Phillipson concluded:
“It’s time to turn the tide; to give every young person the chance to succeed, regardless of background, and to build a stronger, fairer economy driven by skill, innovation, and opportunity.”
