Budge Up, A Levels. Colleges Are Making Way For V Levels – But What Are They?

We’ve all heard of A levels. Indeed, many of us will have sat the subject-based qualifications growing up. Now, the government plans to introduce V levels for over-16s, in addition to the existing offer of A and T levels – and if you’re feeling a bit confused by it all, you’re not alone.Here’s a quick recap of today’s government announcement, what V levels actually are, and what it might mean for future students going into sixth-form or college.What are V levels?A new white paper has revealed plans for the introduction of V levels in the UK. These are new vocational qualifications that will replace other qualifications (think Level 3 BTecs and other post-16 technical qualifications) to sit alongside T Levels and A levels.They’re ideal for those who want to explore different key sectors, like engineering, agriculture, digital or creative, before choosing where exactly to specialise.Unlike T Levels, which are equivalent to 3 A Levels and more specialised to one occupation or industry, students will be able to take a mixture of V Levels and A Levels (so it’s a more varied approach meaning you can cover a wealth of subjects you’re interested in).Can you give me an example?Sure. A student wanting to get into either the creative arts or media industry could choose to do a mixed V Level and A level study programme, by taking two V Levels (one in Craft and Design; and one in Media, Broadcast and Production) and one A Level in Music. Or, a student wanting to get into either the health or fitness industry, but who also wants to learn more about digital, could do three V Levels in Sport and Exercise Science; Digital; and Health and Care services. Why are there plans to introduce them? There are approximately 900 vocational qualifications at level 3 currently available to 16 to 19-year-olds – but this can make it a bit confusing for both students and employers, especially when it comes to their purpose and also the value of these qualifications.Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said “technical and vocational education is the backbone of this country’s economy and central to breaking the link between background and success” but “for too long it has been an afterthought”.The reforms are backed by an extra £800 million of funding for 16-19 education in 2026/27.It’s still in proposal stage, so the government will now launch a consultation to support the introduction of V levels.According to FE Week, the rollout of V levels could begin from 2027. What do teachers think? On the whole, education staff seem positive. Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, highlighted that “a very large number of young people are currently not in education, employment or training”.So, “ensuring that there are a range of excellent pathways available to all our students is essential in tackling this issue”.Alex Crossman, executive headteacher of the London Academy of Excellence Stratford, told HuffPost UK: “Anything that makes it easier for young people to navigate the confusing qualifications landscape is to be welcomed. That’s certainly the promise of V Levels.”That said, he noted “if we’re going to take employability seriously, we need to ensure that all stages of education are properly funded” and suggested “closer, more collaborative relationships” need to be fostered with employers in all sectors “to ensure that students are receiving an education that’s relevant to the labour market”. Colin Shaw, Group Sixth Form Principal at Eastern Education Group, added that the news is “encouraging” and “a hugely positive step”.“We understand that they will offer a more practical alternative to A-Levels and T-Levels and provide young people with more choice in their future careers,” he told HuffPost UK.“For too long, the government has prioritised academic subjects and A-levels which reward memorisation of facts, rather than real-world learning and industry-linked skills development.“These V-levels, by contrast, promise to offer vocational routes into great careers where there are real skills shortages, and to better prepare students for an ever- changing, increasingly uncertain world.”Related...Teachers Are Being Treated As Therapists – And Children Are Losing OutI’m A Teacher – Not Saying This 1 Word Is Making Kids ‘Unteachable’I Hated School – Then Teachers Made An Observation That Changed My Life

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