Esports and Education

The Future of Esports Qualifications: Have Your Say on the New V Levels

The British Esports Federation has launched a national call to action for educators, esports centres, and training providers to help shape the future of esports qualifications in the UK.

With the government’s recent Curriculum and Assessment Review proposing the introduction of new V Levels from 2027, British Esports is inviting centres to share their views and advocate for the development of a dedicated Esports V Level at both small (360 GLH) and large (1080 GLH) sizes.

This consultation represents a pivotal moment for the sector and a chance for educators and industry professionals to ensure esports continues to have a recognised, funded, and future-ready qualification pathway.

Esports ticks all the boxes in the 21st Century Skills Framework

What’s Happening?

The UK Government’s Department for Education (DfE) has opened a public consultation on the design and implementation of new post-16 pathways for learners aged 16 to 19.

The proposed reforms include:

  •  A new vocational pathway at Level 3 — the “V Level”, sitting alongside A Levels and T Levels.

  •  Two new Level 2 pathways — the Occupational Pathway (focused on work readiness) and the Further Study Pathway (bridging to higher-level qualifications).

This consultation, open until 12 January 2026, will shape the structure, content, and rollout of these new qualifications — including how existing vocational subjects such as esports will transition from the current BTEC Nationals framework.

The Role of British Esports

The British Esports Federation is leading the call for action within the esports education community, urging current and prospective centres to complete the government’s consultation and make their voices heard.

“Long-term funding for the BTEC Nationals in Esports remains under review, and with the Government’s V Level proposals moving forward, this is the moment to advocate for esports to have a formal place within the new structure,”

Educators can now share their feedback directly via the government consultation form, or contact the British Esports Education Team at education@britishesports.org for support before submitting.

What Does This Mean for Current Esports Centres?

As Ntesports reported earlier this year, the government’s post-16 reforms will phase out most BTECs and replace them with the new streamlined system of:

  • A Levels (academic)

  • T Levels (technical, with industry placements)

  • V Levels (vocational, flexible, sector-specific)

For esports, this transition could see the current BTEC Nationals in Esports, which have driven incredible growth across UK colleges, replaced by a new Esports V Level designed to reflect industry standards, digital skills, and employability in a more adaptable format.

Under the proposed model, V Levels will be:

  • Broader and sector-focused, allowing students to explore creative and digital pathways before specialising.

  • Flexible, with smaller units (360 GLH) and larger, full-time qualifications (1080 GLH).

  • Designed for progression, offering clear routes into university, apprenticeships, or direct employment.

Why This Matters

Since its launch in 2020, the BTEC in Esports (developed by Pearson and British Esports) has been a landmark success, engaging thousands of students, inspiring new facilities, and establishing esports as a credible subject in further education.

With these reforms now approaching, the sector faces both opportunity and uncertainty.
A dedicated Esports V Level would:
✅ Protect and evolve the progress made through the BTEC
✅ Ensure esports retains a place in funded education pathways
✅ Strengthen links between education, skills, and industry
✅ Support continued growth in digital, creative, and STEM learning

NTesports Managing Director Nik Turner commented:

“This consultation is a real opportunity for educators to help shape the next generation of esports qualifications. We’ve seen the BTEC transform engagement, creativity, and teamwork across UK colleges,  now we need to make sure that momentum continues under the new system.”

How to Get Involved

The DfE consultation on V Levels and post-16 pathways is open until Monday 12 January 2026.
Educators, awarding bodies, and esports providers are encouraged to submit responses and support the case for a dedicated Esports V Level.

🕒 Deadline: 12 January 2026
📝 Submit your views: Government Consultation Portal
🎓 Speak with British Esports: education@britishesports.org

If you currently deliver the BTEC Nationals in Esports, or are planning to, you can also contact the Pearson Standards Verification team for guidance on existing delivery and transition plans.

Looking Ahead

Esports has proven itself as one of the most engaging and forward-thinking pathways in further education, blending teamwork, creativity, and digital fluency.

As the UK shapes the next era of post-16 learning, Ntesports urges all esports educators, event organisers, and digital learning leaders to take part in this consultation and ensure that esports remains at the heart of innovation in education.

NTesports will continue to provide updates on the consultation process and the future of esports qualifications.
To stay informed, visit www.ntesports.uk/news