From September 2027, V Levels will offer a new way to study after your GCSEs, combining subject knowledge with practical, applied learning.
Whether you’re thinking about university, an apprenticeship or your future career, V Levels are designed to help you develop your knowledge and skills while keeping your options open.
V Levels combine subject knowledge with applied learning, helping you understand how what you learn connects to the wider world and future careers.
You may be able to study more than one V Level or combine V Levels with A Levels, allowing you to build a programme around your interests, strengths and future ambitions.
Each V Level will be roughly the same size as one A Level, giving you greater flexibility when choosing your programme of study.
V Levels are new vocational qualifications for students who want to study a subject in an applied, practical way while keeping their future options broad.
They could be a good choice if you enjoy applying what you learn, have an idea about the sector you’re interested in but don’t want to specialise in one particular job yet, or want to keep your options open for the future.
From September 2027, we plan to introduce V Levels alongside our existing A Level choices at Stamford College.
There isn’t one route that’s right for everyone. After your GCSEs, your options will increasingly include:
A Levels: Predominantly classroom-based academic study and a well-established route to university and higher education.
V Levels: Applied, vocational qualifications roughly equivalent in size to one A Level, with the potential to combine subjects.
T Levels: Larger, specialist technical programmes combining classroom and practical learning with an industry placement.
Apprenticeships: Work for an employer, earn a wage and study alongside your job.
We’ll help you consider how you learn best, what you enjoy and where you’d like to go next so you can find the right route for you.
V Levels are being designed to support progression to university, apprenticeships and employment.
Universities will continue to set their own entry requirements for individual degrees, so it’s important to consider these when choosing your programme.
Our Careers, Admissions and curriculum teams can help you understand your options and choose a programme that supports your future ambitions.
New Level 2 qualifications are also being introduced for students who need another step before progressing to a V Level, A Level, T Level, apprenticeship or employment.
Foundation Certificates will help students build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress to Level 3 study.
Occupational Certificates will focus on developing practical knowledge and skills connected to a particular type of work.
The right journey will depend on your starting point and what you’d like to achieve.
V Levels will include both examinations and other forms of assessment. Current national plans set assessment at 40% examination and 60% non-exam assessment.
Each V Level will be roughly the same size as one A Level. Where available, you may be able to study more than one V Level or create a programme combining V Levels and A Levels.
Yes. V Levels are being designed to support progression to university as well as apprenticeships and employment. Universities will continue to set their own entry requirements for individual degrees.
No. The changes will be introduced gradually, with different subjects introduced over several years. The current national timetable runs through to 2030/31.
After you submit your details, one of our team will contact and assist you.
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