Phillipson: Reforms will end snobbery
The legal version of the government’s new V-Level vocational qualification, equivalent to one A-Level, will launch in 2028, the Department for Education (DfE) has said.
The aim of the V-Level is to provide a vocational route for students who want to explore different sectors before deciding where to specialise. They will replace existing vocational qualifications such as BTECs.
Responding to the Post-16, Level 3 and Below Pathways consultation launched in October 2025, the DfE said V-Levels would have “a strong element of applied learning and include some practical assessment”.
Students who were “not yet ready or clear about specialising in one occupation” could study across more than one subject area.
“Students will also be able to mix and match V-Levels and A-Levels where they want to have breadth across vocational and academic disciplines.”
The legal V-Level in 2028/29 will follow the launch of V-Levels in education and early years, digital and finance and accounting next year.
The DfE said T-Levels, which are equivalent to three A-Levels, would remain “the best option for young people who know what general career path they would like to follow, allowing a student to spend their full study programme immersing themselves in the more detailed curriculum for their chosen route”.
The legal T-Level, developed by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) and training company Pearson, launched in September 2023.
DfE figures show that 391 students are currently enrolled in the first year of their legal T-Level.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “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.
“Not only that, but it will give parents much-needed confidence in a system that values every route to success – academic, technical or vocational – as we continuing driving forward our mission to ensure two‑thirds of young people are in education, training or apprenticeships by 25.”
Dani Payne, head of education and social mobility at the Social Market Foundation, commented: “Allowing young people to combine academic and vocational learning is a welcome step towards keeping the education system broader for longer.
“In England we ask teenagers to specialise earlier than in many other countries, often before they have a clear understanding of the options available to them.
“V-Levels have the potential to give students more time to explore different pathways. But for V-Levels to succeed, universities and employers will need to value them as credible routes.
“There is also a risk that without stronger careers advice and guidance, many young people will still be nudged towards the traditional A-level route.”
Ms Payne said introducing V-Levels in areas such as education and early years was “particularly welcome” given the workforce pressures in these sectors.
“But ultimately the success of the reforms will depend on whether they genuinely expand opportunity and create clearer, more trusted pathways for young people from all backgrounds.”
