AELP responds to Government announcement on first V Levels
AELP responds to the announcement that the first three V Level subjects will be introduced from 2027 as part of reforms to post-16 technical education.
The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) has welcomed the direction of travel set out in today’s government announcement that the first three V Level subjects – Education, Finance and Digital – will be introduced from 2027 as part of reforms to post-16 technical education.
However, the organisation said important questions remain about how the new qualifications will work in practice and warned that the success of the reforms will depend on getting the detail right. This will require meaningful consultation with providers and employers ahead of implementation. Ensuring employers and higher education institutions value these new qualifications will be vital to their future success.
AELP said it supports the government’s objective of creating clearer post-16 pathways for young people while highlighting the important role that independent training providers (ITPs) can play in delivering technical education programmes.
AELP emphasised the importance of a clear and well-managed transition as the new qualifications are introduced. With only a limited number of V Level programmes launching initially in 2027, the organisation argues that Applied General Qualifications (AGQs) should remain available until strong replacement routes are fully in place to protect learner choice and provide stability for providers.
AELP also highlighted the importance of investment in the wider post-16 system. The government has confirmed plans to increase the 16–19 funding budget by £800 million in 2026–27, which the association said will help providers prepare for the next phase of reform.
Ben Rowland, CEO of AELP, said:
“Today’s announcement reflects an ambition to create clearer and more coherent pathways for young people after the age of 16. If implemented effectively, V Levels have the potential to strengthen technical routes and support programmes that fit closely with the needs of learners and employers.
As these new qualifications are developed, clarity will be essential. Learners, parents and providers need accessible and consistent information about how V Levels will sit alongside existing options such as T Levels, A Levels and apprenticeships. Without that clarity there is a real risk the system becomes more complicated rather than easier to navigate.
Independent training providers will also have an important role to play. Their experience delivering vocational programmes and working closely with employers will help ensure these qualifications are practical, deliverable and linked to labour market demand.
At the same time, stability during the transition will matter. Maintaining existing qualifications until strong alternatives are fully in place, alongside adequate investment in the post-16 system, will help ensure these reforms deliver real opportunities for young people. We are pleased to see the Minister recognise the need for this in her comments today.”
Following today’s announcement, AELP will host a series of member roundtables to gather views on the government’s English and maths Level 1 consultation. Feedback from providers will inform the association’s formal response. Further details will be shared with members through the AELP Member Bulletin.
ENDS
The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is a national membership body, proudly representing organisations operating in the skills sector. AELP members deliver a range of training and vocational learning – including the majority of apprenticeships as well as Skills Bootcamps, 16-19 Study Programme, Adult Education Budget and more.
For further information or interviews please contact Matt Strong, Communications Manager, AELP, on 07920 161685 or [email protected]
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Writing for FE Week, skills minister Jacqui Smith said: “You told us that the transition arrangements we originally proposed were too aggressive, putting providers’ ability to prepare for the reforms to come at risk.
“I appreciate that and so, to give providers space and certainty, we are setting out that large qualifications the size of three A Levels or bigger in T Level areas will have funding approval removed from 2027 instead of 2026, apart from health and social care qualifications which will follow in 2028.
AELP responds to Government announcement on first V Levels
For further information or interviews please contact Matt Strong, Communications Manager, AELP, on 07920 161685 or [email protected]
