BTECs to be scrapped: What V levels mean for learners and colleges

Big changes are coming to post-16 education as the government confirms plans to phase out BTECs and other Applied General Qualifications (AGQs), making way for a new qualification: the V Level. While some defunding has been paused, the direction of travel is clear – many of the qualifications that learners and educators have relied on for years are being removed.

What are V Levels?

‘V Level’ stands for Vocational Level – a new qualification designed to replace many Applied General Qualifications (AGQs), such as BTECs, which are being phased out between 2026 and 2027. V Levels aim to blend practical skills with academic learning, offering a middle ground between the academic focus of A Levels and the occupational focus of T Levels.

What’s being removed – and what’s replacing it?

The Department for Education is targeting qualifications that overlap with T Levels, aiming to simplify the landscape. That includes over 130 courses – many of them BTECs – in subjects like health, science, law, and digital. These have long been a trusted route into university and skilled employment, so their removal is causing concern across the sector.

The new V Levels are designed to sit alongside A Levels and T Levels, offering a fresh option for learners. But with the announcement only just made, schools and colleges now face a race against time to prepare for future intakes, starting as early as 2026.

Timeline: what to expect

The rollout of V Levels is expected to align with the phased removal of AGQs:

• 2026: Popular AGQs such as BTECs in health and social care, applied science, and IT will be defunded.
• 2027: Further AGQs, including those in business and engineering, are set to follow.
• The final framework for V Levels is expected to be outlined in upcoming government white papers, informed by a curriculum and assessment review.

How could V levels disrupt colleges?

The timeline for introducing V Levels puts pressure on colleges to prepare at pace. Curriculum planning typically takes place 12 to 24 months in advance, yet many providers are still waiting for key details. At the same time, updating technology, preparing facilities, and training staff all require careful coordination. Without a clear framework, effective planning becomes harder to manage — and there’s a risk that decisions made now may not align with future requirements.

How could the new changes disrupt learners?

T Levels are a great option for some – but they’re not available in every subject or region, and uptake has been slow. BTECs have filled that gap for years, offering a flexible, practical route into higher education and the workforce. Removing them without a fully formed alternative risks narrowing the path for thousands of learners.

Digital tools to ease the transition

With so much change happening so quickly, colleges need smart, flexible tools to stay ahead. Solutions like OneAdvanced’s MIS can support providers in managing shifting qualification frameworks, tracking learner progress, and staying compliant – all while keeping administrative demands in check. With the right software, colleges can stay organised and agile as the landscape evolves.

What happens next?

The review is a chance for colleges to not only reconsider the types of qualifications they offer, but also how they support learners throughout their journey. With so much at stake, the hope is that final decisions will reflect the diversity of learner needs and protect the key principle of choice in education.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on developments – and helping providers prepare for whatever comes next.

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