V Levels

What are V Levels?

V Levels are a new Vocational Qualifications (V Levels) at level 3, and will be available as a ‘mix and match’ with A Levels for students aged 16-19 years old.

Unlike T Levels, (which are equivalent to 3 A Levels), young people will be able to take a mixture of the new V Levels and A Levels together, offering more choice and flexibility to students.

The new V Levels will streamline what DfE has called ‘the confusing landscape’ of approximately 900 equivalent vocational qualifications at level 3 currently available to 16 to 19-year-olds (eg V Levels will replace well known qualifications like BTECs)

Will V Levels Replace T Levels?

No, T Levels are a separate qualification route. T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels. The main difference to V Levels and T Levels are that V Levels (Vocational Levels) can be mixed and matched with A Levels. T Levels are aimed at 16 – 19 year-olds and are equivalent to three A Levels.  T Levels are a two year course that focus on vocational skills and incorporate a substantial industry placement with an 80/20 split between the classroom and workplace.

V Levels will replace the 900+ Level 3 qualifications outside of A Levels and T Levels. V Levels, A Levels and Apprenticeships are a different route for learnesr to be able to take.

V Levels and A Levels will be able to taken together (eg a mix and match of different qualifications).

Are V Levels Replacing BTECs?

Yes, V Levels will be replacing level 3 qualifications like BTECs and Applied General Qualifications. BTEC is a brand of applied general qualifications (AGQs) that are rigorous, Level 3 qualifications designed for students aged 16 to 19. V Levels were announced in October 2025 and more detail is to follow on the time line for the implementation and roll out, but according to the launch, yes, V Levels will replace AGQs and qualifications like BTEC longer term.

V levels and Climbing

The Vocational Levels (V Levels) in Further Education and Skills are different to the climbing or bouldering V Levels. The “V” levels in climbing and bouldering comes from John “Vermin” Sherman, who developed the scale in the 1990s. V Levels for level 3 in Further Education are a level 3 qualification route and are vocational levels, and nothing to do with climbing or bouldering.