Content proposals for V Levels published
24 April 2026
Proposals for the content and design of new V Levels and post-16 Level 2 certificates have been published.
Following the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and the government’s response to its consultation on post-16 Level 3 and below pathways, the Secretary of State for Education has now set out the policy steer for new V Levels and Level 2 certificates.
In a letter to Ofqual, the Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson said these reforms “seek to establish a high quality, distinctive vocational and technical offer that meets the needs of the intended cohorts”. The expectation that the new qualifications will be available from September 2027 is repeated.
The policy steer from the Department for Education (DfE) covers:
- The role of the new qualifications
- Qualification size and structure
- Content expectations
- Assessment principles
- Grading
- Titles and branding
- Rollout of the new qualifications.
Following this steer from government, three consultations have been published:
1. Proposed 2027 subject content: This DfE
consultation seeks views on whether the proposed subject content for V Levels and Level 2 certificates:
- Is clear and appropriate for the size and purpose of each qualification
- Reflects current and emerging sector and occupational needs
- Supports progression to further study, skilled employment, or apprenticeships, as appropriate
- Is deliverable within the proposed guided learning hours.
2. Regulating post-16 VTQs: Whilst the responsibility for specifying the subject content for V Levels and Level 2 certificates lies with the DfE, Ofqual is responsible for setting the regulatory and assessment requirements which Awarding Organisations must meet. Ofqual is therefore
consulting in parallel with the DfE on the regulatory framework that will underpin the new qualifications including qualification and assessment design.
3. 16 to 19 performance measures: In this additional new
consultation, the DfE is seeking views on proposals to improve 16 to 19 performance measures which don’t currently include all vocational and technical qualifications. The DfE wants to make the 16 to 19 performance measures more consistent and comprehensive. Proposals to improve post-16 English and maths progress measures and refine retention measures are also covered.
The DfE has recently
consulted on Key Stage 4 performance measures and is expected to publish outcomes in the summer term.