Consultation outcome

Summary of feedback to the consultation

Updated 10 September 2026

Respondents were broadly supportive of the overall approach to the regulation of V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates set out in the consultation.

Respondents agreed with the focus on ensuring consistency and comparability in the new qualifications and considered that the proposals supported these objectives. The proposals to require a common grading scale, nationally specified content and qualification sizes set by the DfE were seen as supporting validity, reliability, and comparability, which would help to secure public confidence in the new qualifications. There was support for including a balance of assessment methods, although respondents did raise concerns about the manageability of the proposals.

Some respondents requested greater flexibility in the proposed regulatory approach, to ensure that awarding organisations could respond to the needs of different sectors or to local contexts.

There was strong support for the proposal that all V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates should be accredited before delivery, with respondents recognising the importance of ensuring that only qualifications meeting the required quality standards are made available to learners. Respondents also supported the proposal to require awarding organisations to develop assessment strategies for each qualification.

Respondents welcomed proposals related to on-screen assessment and the retaking of Core Exams in Technical Qualifications within T Levels.

1. Views on V Level proposals

Regarding V Levels, respondents generally welcomed the proposed approach and recognised the distinctive role these qualifications are intended to play within the qualification landscape.

Where concerns were raised, these primarily related to the proposals on terminal assessment, assessment availability and the introduction of the proposed N grade.

Some respondents considered the assessment arrangements insufficiently flexible for vocational qualifications, while others questioned whether the N grade was necessary or would be well understood by users.

In relation to the use of on-screen assessment in timetabled V Level assessments, respondents generally favoured a cautious approach, with some highlighting concerns such as the risk of digital inequality. Most supported its use in V Level digital systems and data, while some indicated that it could also be suitable for V Level accounting and finance.

2. Views on Foundation Certificate proposals

Regarding Foundation Certificates, respondents were broadly supportive of the proposals.

Some concerns were raised, in particular in relation to the proposed balance between timetabled and other forms of assessment. Respondents commented that the proposed proportions may be insufficiently flexible, and potentially misaligned with the needs of the expected level 2 cohort. There was also concern around the operational challenges associated with delivering timetabled assessments, and suggestions that assessment arrangements should allow greater flexibility for different subjects.

With regard to the proposal to allow the use of on-screen assessment in both timetabled and other forms of assessment in Foundation Certificates, respondents were generally supportive, though some concerns were raised about factors such as digital inequality and the impact on centres.

3. Views on Occupational Certificate proposals

Regarding Occupational Certificates, respondents were also broadly supportive of the proposals, particularly those relating to grading and assessment availability.

Views on the proposed balance between timetabled and other forms of assessment were generally more positive than they had been regarding Foundation Certificates, although some respondents similarly argued for greater flexibility to reflect the needs of different subjects.

Key areas of concern for respondents related to the prioritisation of purposes and the requirement to allow for compensatory approaches (that is, to allow better performance in one area of a qualification to compensate for lower performance in another), which may not be appropriate where achievement of some parts of the content is required for employment.

Respondents questioned how these proposals aligned with the intended purpose of Occupational Certificates, and whether they would sufficiently support progression into employment.

As they had been regarding Foundation Certificates, respondents were broadly supportive of the proposal to allow the use of on-screen assessment in both timetabled and other forms of assessment in Occupational Certificates; however they listed similar caveats in relation to digital inequality and the impact on centres.

4. Views on Technical Qualifications within T Levels

Regarding Technical Qualifications within T Levels, respondents welcomed the amendment to the qualification level Conditions permitting students to retake individual Core Exam papers rather than having to retake both. They noted the positive impact on flexibility and manageability for providers and reduction in the assessment burden on students.