Overview

• V-levels will sit alongside A-levels and T-levels, allowing students to combine courses for greater flexibility than current technical routes.
• New stepping‑stone qualifications will support students who did not achieve grade 4 in GCSE English and maths, with the funding rule to keep studying these subjects remaining in place.
• The Department for Education says the measures particularly target white British pupils eligible for free school meals, most of whom currently fall short of a grade 4 in both subjects.
• Reforms are backed by £800 million for 16–19 education in 2026/27 and plans for 14 Technical Excellence Colleges in priority sectors.
• The white paper signals proposed new powers for the Office for Students to curb recruitment on poor‑quality university courses, with sector bodies welcoming the direction but urging further action on FE funding and pay.