Employers told that new qualification will give young people the skills they need
From September 2027, the first V levels will be available as post-16 learning options, with the Department for Education (DfE) promising that young people will see learning designed around real jobs and the skills employers actually need.
Sitting alongside A levels and T levels, the DfE explained that the new qualifications will be equivalent to one A level and will allow students to mix and match academic and vocational subjects if they are unsure where to specialise.
A recent poll of over 1000 parents of 14–18-year-olds highlighted that nearly half (45%) would prefer a mix of academic and work-based or technical training for their children after GCSEs to better prepare them for the future.
Students who want to specialise in technical, sector-focused studies will also have more options, as T levels (which combine study and real‑world work experience) will be expanded to include subjects such as sports, fitness and exercise science and care services.
A separate two‑year, employment‑focused route will also be available for those aiming to move straight into work or an apprenticeship, starting in catering and hospitality and education and early years.
Further changes to T levels will refine content and assessment and allow providers more scope to tailor industry placements to ensure that more young people can access them.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, explained that the aim was to provide clearer options for young people, allowing them to mix and match academic and vocational subjects to set them up for the jobs of tomorrow.
