V-LEVELS
Esports V Levels: What Next?
In December, Yoyotech joined colleagues from across the esports education sector for a national briefing led by Pearson and the British Esports Federation. That session marked a pivotal moment for the future of esports qualifications under the Department for Education’s (DfE) Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy.
The message at the time was clear:
If esports is to remain a distinct, fully funded qualification pathway, the sector must respond – together – through the government consultation.
That consultation has now closed.
We are currently awaiting the DfE’s response on esports V-Levels, expected later this spring.
If esports is to remain a distinct, fully funded qualification pathway, the sector must respond - together - through the government consultation.
NIK TURNER
Head of Esports & Education Strategy, Yoyotech
WHY THIS MATTERS.
The Government’s reform programme is reshaping Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications around three main routes:
- A Levels
- T Levels
- V Levels (proposed primarily as 360 GLH, A Level–sized qualifications)
At present, esports does not automatically sit within the DfE’s indicative subject lists. Unlike more established sectors, esports does not yet benefit from:
- Embedded occupational standards
- Longstanding performance measure history
- Formal recognition within traditional qualification structures
That does not exclude esports, but it does mean its future as a funded pathway depends on the strength of the sector’s case.
From a Yoyotech perspective, this is not just a curriculum issue. It directly impacts:
- Investment in specialist esports facilities
- Digital production and broadcast infrastructure
- Staff CPD and curriculum development
- Long-term planning for colleges and sixth forms
- Supplier ecosystems supporting esports education
Hundreds of centres have invested significantly in esports arenas, streaming studios, competition infrastructure, and industry partnerships. The stability of qualification funding underpins all of this.
THE SIZE AND STRUCTURE QUESTION: ESPORTS V-LEVELS
One of the central issues discussed in December was the size of proposed V Levels.
The DfE has indicated an initial preference for 360 GLH qualifications (equivalent to one A Level), designed to be combined with other study.
However, educators consistently argued that esports – by its nature – requires broader delivery time. The subject spans:
- Broadcast and live production
- Event management
- Coaching and performance
- Psychology and sport science
- Digital marketing and social media
- Enterprise and business
- Shoutcasting and content creation
British Esports signalled support for:
- A small Esports V Level (360 GLH)
- A large Esports V Level (1080 GLH, equivalent to 3 A Levels)
From Yoyotech’s experience working with institutions across the UK, the large qualification model reflects how most centres currently deliver esports – as a substantial, immersive programme rather than a narrow bolt-on subject.
LEVEL 2 REFORM: A FOUNDATION ROUTE
Alongside Level 3 reform, Level 2 is being streamlined into:
- Foundation Certificates (progression-focused, one year)
- Occupational Certificates (employment-focused, two years)
Given the absence of standalone occupational standards for esports, the logical pathway remains a Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Esports — supporting progression into Level 3 while building digital, creative and teamwork skills.
Again, esports must be clearly recognised within the reformed framework to secure this route.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE OF ESPORTS IN EDUCATION
Esports education is a proven driver of key national priorities, delivering measurable growth in digital skills, STEM engagement, and SEND inclusion. Across nearly 200 UK centres, these technologically advanced spaces are transforming student outcomes, driving higher attendance, boosting retention, and providing clear progression routes into the wider tech and creative industries, particularly for neurodivergent learners.
As the educational landscape shifts toward V Levels, the sector is proactively redesigning qualifications to align with emerging occupational standards. Ultimately, securing the long-term future of funded esports pathways is about more than preserving a curriculum. It is about safeguarding a massive, nationwide investment in high-spec digital infrastructure, specialist teaching, and future-ready facilities that will continue to fuel the UK’s digital economy.