Ofqual chief outlines plans for V Levels and rules out AI exam marking

What was announced

Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, addressed the Confederation of School Trusts annual conference on 16 October 2026. He detailed three main policy areas: V Levels, computer-based assessments, and artificial intelligence.

V Levels will be introduced for post-16 students starting in September 2027. They will sit alongside A Levels and T Levels. Unlike T Levels, which are full-time courses with mandatory industry placements, V Levels are smaller qualifications. Students will take three V Levels or mix them with A Levels. The government will set V Level content centrally, replacing private brand qualifications like Pearson's BTEC. The first wave will cover education and early years, accounting and finance, and digital systems and data. A larger set of subjects will follow in 2028.

On computer-based exams, Ofqual is assessing how to regulate onscreen tests. Bauckham noted that while exam boards are pushing for faster digital adoption, Ofqual must consider social equity, school readiness, and technical reliability.

Regarding artificial intelligence, Bauckham ruled out using generative AI to mark complex responses such as essays, artwork, or performances. He stated that direct human oversight is an ethical requirement when making decisions about a student's future. He also highlighted risks around AI-assisted cheating in coursework, citing actions taken by Princeton University and UCL Law School to return to supervised in-person exams.

What it means

Post-16 education in England will feature three standardized qualification paths: A Levels, V Levels, and T Levels. Because government ministers will determine V Level content across all exam boards, grades from different providers will be directly comparable. School sixth forms and colleges can offer these courses without needing industrial placements.

For assessments, paper exams remain the standard while Ofqual reviews onscreen testing options. Schools will not face an immediate mandatory shift to digital exams. Finally, student work will continue to be evaluated by human markers. Ofqual's stance ensures that self-evolving computer systems will not determine final student grades.

What the announcement does not tell us

The speech leaves several details unconfirmed:

• The full list of subjects included in the second wave of V Levels scheduled for 2028.
• A specific timetable or deadline for when Ofqual will publish its regulatory decisions on onscreen exams.
• Details on how exam boards will detect AI use in coursework or extended writing before exams occur.
• Specific rules or criteria for how exam boards may use AI for administrative tasks like writing test items or quality control.