Ofqual has today confirmed its regulatory arrangements for V Levels, Foundation Certificates, and Occupational Certificates. These new vocational qualifications are designed to provide post-16 students with clear routes into further education and employment.
V Levels will join A Levels and T Levels as options for students, offering a high-quality vocational pathway. They are similar in size to A Levels, with 360 guided learning hours, and can be taken alongside them. The grading scale for V Levels will range from A* to E, with a P for 'pass' and U for 'ungraded'.
Assessment for V Levels will generally consist of 40% timetabled assessment and 60% other forms of assessment. Timetabled assessments may include practical tasks alongside written exams. Ofqual's framework allows for on-screen assessment in digital systems and data, and accounting and finance V Levels, with further decisions to be made on a subject-by-subject basis.
Alongside V Levels, Ofqual has confirmed its approach to Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, which are Level 2 qualifications for post-16 students. Foundation Certificates, set at 240 to 300 guided learning hours, are designed to build foundational knowledge and skills. Occupational Certificates, with 540 to 720 guided learning hours, are aimed at students preparing for employment or apprenticeships.