First V Levels subjects revealed for 2027 as government announces major post-16 changes
New V Levels will launch in 2027, giving teens a mix of academic and vocational learning alongside A levels and T Levels.
The first subjects for brand new V Level qualifications have been revealed, with teenagers set to start studying them from 2027 as part of major reforms to post-16 education.
The new courses will sit alongside A levels and T Levels, giving students more flexibility to combine academic and practical learning after GCSEs. Early subjects confirmed for the rollout include digital, education and finance, with more areas expected to follow over the next few years.
The government says the changes are designed to help more young people move into secure careers, apprenticeships or university by the age of 25, while giving families clearer options after Year 11.
What are V Levels?
V Levels are a new Level 3 qualification, the same level as an A level. Unlike traditional routes, they are designed so students can mix academic and vocational learning depending on their interests.
Each V Level will be equivalent to one A level, meaning students could combine them in different ways. For example, a student could study two V Levels alongside one A level, or build a programme entirely from V Levels.
The courses will focus on real job sectors and practical skills that employers are looking for, while still allowing teenagers to keep their options open if they are unsure about their long-term career plans.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the reforms aim to reshape how post-16 education works in England.
Our bold reforms will end the snobbery in post-16 education, supporting young people with real choice and real opportunity to build secure, future-proof careers.
Why the government is introducing the new courses
The reforms are part of a wider overhaul of post-16 education, designed to make it easier for teenagers to choose a route that suits them.
Alongside V Levels, the government is expanding T Levels, which already combine classroom learning with industry placements.
New T Level subjects will include areas such as sports, fitness and exercise science and care services.
There will also be new routes for students who may need more time to prepare for advanced study or employment.
A one-year “Further Study” pathway will support teenagers who want to move on to A levels, T Levels or V Levels but are not yet ready for that step. A separate two-year “Occupational” pathway will focus on helping students develop skills for work or apprenticeships, starting in sectors such as catering, hospitality and education and early years.
Many parents want a mix of academic and practical learning
The announcement comes as new polling suggests many parents are unsure about the options available after GCSEs.
A survey of more than 1,100 parents of teenagers aged 14 to 18 found that nearly a quarter (24%) do not feel confident their child understands the different routes beyond GCSEs.
At the same time, nearly half of parents (45%) said they would prefer their child to take a combination of academic and work-based or technical training after Year 11.
Finding stable and secure employment was also the biggest concern for parents, cited by almost half (49%) of those surveyed.
How the new system will roll out
The first V Levels will begin in the 2027 to 2028 academic year, starting with subjects including digital, education and early years, and finance and accounting.
More subject areas will follow in later years, including health and science, engineering and manufacturing, business and administration, and sport and fitness.
The government says the changes will happen gradually so that schools and colleges have time to adapt.
Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, said the phased approach would help ensure students are not disrupted.
“Our members will warmly welcome the government’s decision to retain existing qualifications while the new suite of V level qualifications is phased in.
“Colleges and schools can now make the most of this period of stability and certainty to ensure that tens of thousands of young people have an uninterrupted educational experience, while also engaging constructively and with focus in the design and rollout of V levels.”
Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, David Hughes, said: "I'm pleased to see this announcement today. For many years, we have had a lack of certainty and stability about the future qualification landscape which this package of measures addresses."
What it could mean for teenagers choosing GCSE options now
Although the first V Levels will not start until 2027, the reforms could shape the choices many young people make over the next few years.
For families with children approaching GCSEs, the changes are designed to provide more flexibility than the traditional academic route alone.
Ultimately, the government hopes the new system will help more young people move into higher training, apprenticeships or university, while also closing skills gaps in key industries.
More detailed plans for how the reforms will be delivered are expected in an official implementation plan due later this year.