V Levels
V Levels are a brand new type of Level 3 vocational qualification announced by the government in 2025. They are designed to sit alongside A Levels and T Levels and to replace many BTECs, giving students a clearer, more flexible vocational route. V Levels are not running yet: first teaching is expected from around 2027, so for now they are one to keep an eye on rather than an option you can start today.
- Level
- Level 3 (planned)
- Typical duration
- Two years (planned)
Who it's for
V Levels are being designed for students who want a vocational, work-related course but also want flexibility. Because they are planned to be smaller and more flexible than T Levels, the idea is that you could take one on its own, combine V Levels together, or mix a V Level with A Levels. That makes them a likely fit if you have a broad career area in mind but do not yet want to commit to a single job role, or if you want to keep more than one door open. V Levels are still being developed, so the exact design may change before they launch.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements have not been confirmed yet. As a Level 3 qualification, V Levels are likely to ask for a similar starting point to A Levels and T Levels, typically around five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, often including English and maths. Individual schools and colleges will set their own requirements once the qualifications are available.
Where it can lead
As Level 3 qualifications, V Levels are expected to lead on to university, higher and degree apprenticeships, higher technical qualifications, and skilled employment, in the same way A Levels and T Levels do. Until they launch, the current Level 3 routes (A Levels, T Levels and BTECs) remain the way to reach these destinations.
Exhibitors offering V Levels
No organisations have listed this yet — check back soon.