V Cert in Food and Cookery
Studying the Level 1/2 Technical Award in Food and Cookery will give pupils the fundamental skills and knowledge they’ll need to prepare for a career in the hospitality and catering sector. This qualification covers key subject areas, from food health and safety and information on key food groups and key nutrients, to recipe development, amendment and evaluation.
V Cert Technical Awards are designed to be delivered over two years. The first year of delivery is entirely dedicated to teaching and learning, with all summative assessments taking place in the final year of study. The Food and Cookery V Cert Technical Award is assessed by Non-Exam Assessment (60%) and Examined Assessment (40%).
Key information
→ Approved for KS4 Performance Tables in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
→ Combined Level 1 and Level 2 to recognise the achievements of all learners.
→ The same size and delivery time as a GCSE.
→ Created in collaboration with employers to deliver the skills industries need.
→ Pupils don’t need any specific skills or knowledge prior to study.
→ Graded at Level 1 Pass, Merit, Distinction and Level 2 Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction*, equivalent to GCSE grades 8.5−1.
Who this qualification is for
This qualification in food and cookery is designed for pupils who are passionate about food, enjoy practical learning and want to develop a strong foundation in cookery and nutrition. It offers a hands-on, vocational approach to food and cookery, giving learners the opportunity to build a wide range of technical skills—from food preparation and cooking techniques to recipe development and responding to real-world briefs.
With a strong emphasis on practical skill-building, students will learn how to plan, prepare, and adapt meals while developing their understanding of key principles such as food safety, hygiene, nutrition and dietary needs.
A pupil perspective
Olivia Cook studied V Certs at Ormiston Rivers Academy
“I believe vocational education is beneficial to young people because it gives us the skills we need to pursue our dream careers.”
What’s next?
→ Further study: a T Level in catering, Level 3 Applied Certificate/Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition, or an Advanced Technical Diploma in Professional Cookery.
→ Apprenticeship: as a production chef, commis chef or chef de partie.
Options evening support material
We’ve created these guides to support parents and pupils during your options evenings. Download them and display them to help families make informed decisions about which subjects to choose.