Alex backs every path to success

Alex welcomes the Government’s newly announced V levels that will support Gloucester’s young people into work, delivering on the Prime Minister’s plan to break down barriers to opportunity and get two-thirds of young people participating in higher-level learning, whether that’s academic, technical or through an apprenticeship.  

These are new vocational qualifications tied to rigorous and real-world job standards. They will replace other qualifications to sit alongside T Levels and A levels, providing a clear option for young people who want to get on in the world of work, university or apprenticeships but want to explore different key sectors, which could include engineering, agriculture, digital or creative, before choosing where to specialise. 

Unlike T Levels, which are equivalent to 3 A Levels, young people who are less sure of what they want to do in the future will be able to take a mixture of V Levels and A Levels, allowing for more choice and flexibility. For example, a student attending Gloucestershire college seeking to enter either the creative arts or media industry could choose to do a mixed V Level and A level study programme, by taking two V Levels (e.g. one in Craft and Design; and one in Media, Broadcast and Production) and one A Level in Music.  

These changes made by this Government will drive up standards and better prepare young people for the world of work or further study. As a result, these reforms are going to help grow the economy and deliver on Labour’s plan for national renewal.