Our approach to recognition for V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates

Applies to England

Summary

This consultation seeks views on Ofqual’s proposals for Criteria for Recognition for V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates.

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 17 December 2026


Consultation description

Proposals at a glance

In June 2026, Ofqual introduced new Criteria for Recognition for V Level, Foundation Certificate and Occupational Certificate qualifications. The new criteria are designed to support the safe introduction of these new national qualifications, to ensure that awarding organisations seeking recognition have the capacity, capability and governance required to deliver the first tranche of the new qualifications.

When we introduced the Criteria for Recognition for V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, we committed to review our approach to recognition in time for the second tranche of the new qualifications (those that will be first taught in September 2028).

This consultation seeks views on Ofqual’s proposals to:


Audience

This consultation is open to anyone who may wish to make representation but may be of most interest to:

  • awarding organisations that intend to offer V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, and their representative bodies
  • schools, colleges, students, and their representative bodies
  • further and higher education institutions and their representative bodies
  • employers and their representative bodies


Consultation arrangements

Duration

This consultation will open on 5 November 2026 at 9:30am and end on 17 December 2026 at 11:59pm.

Respond online

Responses should be submitted through the online consultation platform.

Other ways to respond

If for exceptional reasons you are unable to use the online consultation platform, for example because you use specialist accessibility software that is incompatible with the platform, you may request an alternative format. Please email consultations@ofqual.gov.uk to request this. For information on how Ofqual will use and manage your data, please see the annex.


Documents

Foreword by Sir Ian Bauckham CBE, the Chief Regulator at Ofqual

Ref: Ofqual/26/7391/1

HTML

Introduction

Ref: Ofqual/26/7391/2

HTML

Proposals

Ref: Ofqual/26/7391/3

HTML

Regulatory impact assessment

Ref: Ofqual/26/7391/4

HTML

Equality impact assessment

Ref: Ofqual/26/7391/5

HTML

Annex: Privacy notice for consultations

Ref: Ofqual/26/7391/6

HTML

From: Ofqual

Share: