Are V-levels a step forward? The UK government hopes these new vocational courses will give students more options and the country an economic boost. But some say they are not enough.
New V-levels to ‘end A-level snobbery’
Vocational variation: The government is introducing V-levels to bridge the gap between academic and practical education, but critics worry they may face the same hurdles as previous technical qualifications. Glossary
GCSEs - National exams taken by 15 and 16-year-olds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
NVQs - NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are practical, work-based awards. Instead of sitting a big exam at the end, you are tested on your ability to do specific tasks required for a job.
A-levels - The national exams taken by 17 and 18-year-olds in parts of the UK. A-level grades are used to determine university places.
Vocational - When a course or training scheme provides you with the skills you will need for a certain job.
Snobbery - Looking down on others with a believed lower wealth or social position.
BTECs - Vocational qualifications designed to teach students about a particular employment sector (like business, sport, or IT) through a mix of practical work and theory.
T-levels - A two-year technical qualification taken after GCSEs. They are equivalent to three A-levels and include a long industry placement to give you "on-the-job" experience.
Prestigious - Highly respected.
Polytechnics - A term used in the UK before 1992 to describe colleges were students study for degrees in technical subjects or do training for jobs.