The Department for Education (DfE) is reforming Level 3 and Level 2 technical and vocational qualifications. This includes introducing new V Levels and pathways designed for students aged 16–19.
Cambridge OCR intends to offer V Levels from September 2027, subject to DfE and Ofqual regulations. This page explains what we know so far, what’s still to come, and how we can support you through the transition.
What are V Levels?
V Levels are new applied vocational qualifications for 16 to 19 learners in England. They are designed to:
- Offer applied learning within broad vocational areas
- Be equivalent in size to one A Level
- Be studied alongside A Levels and other funded Level 3 qualifications.
This flexibility means students can build programmes that keep academic and vocational doors open.
How V Levels compare to T Levels and A Levels
| Feature |
V Level |
T Level |
A Level |
| Size |
Equivalent to 1 A Level |
Large, full-time programme |
Subject-specific |
| Focus |
Broad vocational learning |
Specialist, career-focused |
Academic knowledge |
| Work placement |
Not required |
Mandatory industry placement |
Not required |
Summary:
- V Levels = flexible vocational route
- T Levels = specialist technical route
- A Levels = academic route.
Key timelines and what’s confirmed so far
- First teaching: September 2027
- Subject content confirmed: July 2026 (DfE)
- Assessment approach published: September 2026 (Ofqual)
- Transition period: Up to 4 years for providers to phase in changes.
DfE Implementation Plan: Read our article, Post-16 Implementation Plan confirms V Level subjects (and more) »
What centres can do now
You do not need to change everything immediately. Current advice:
- Download our Transition Toolkit for practical planning
- Audit current provision and identify which students might benefit from V Levels
- Share our update links with staff and stakeholders
- Read about proposals around content and design in our article: Content proposals for V Levels published.
Assessment, Accessibility and SEND
Assessment arrangements for V Levels will be set by Ofqual in 2026. We expect regulation to emphasise:
- Accessibility: Ensuring assessments work for all learners
- SEND considerations: Inclusive, fair design
- Applied approach: Assessment grounded in practical learning.
(We will share regulatory updates as soon as they are confirmed.)
Common questions about V Levels
Q1: What is a V Level?
A V Level is a new Level 3 vocational qualification for 16–19-year-olds designed to combine vocational breadth with academic flexibility.
Q2: When will V Levels start?
DfE plans first teaching from September 2027, with phased introduction over four years.
Q3: How do V Levels compare to T Levels and A Levels?
V Levels are flexible vocational qualifications equivalent to one A Level, while T Levels are more specialised technical qualifications equivalent to three A Levels with a mandatory industry placement
Q4: Can students mix V Levels with A Levels?
Yes. V Levels can be taken with A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications while funding remains in place.