We have been working closely with Ofqual, other awarding bodies and the Department for Education to define the detail on how BTEC and other vocational and technical qualifications will be assessed and awarded. 

I’m pleased to say that Ofqual has today shared further information and you can find more detail here. 

Ofqual has confirmed that vocational qualifications, such as BTECs, will be treated in the same way as GCSEs, AS and A levels, with learners receiving a calculated result. We are pleased that Ofqual recognises that BTEC qualifications offer learners similar progression opportunities as level 2 and 3 General Qualifications (GCSEs and A levels).

Guidance has also been provided on functional skills assessments and apprenticeships, competence-based and licence to practise qualifications. 

We welcome Ofqual’s approach and believe it is the best way to deliver fair results in a uniquely challenging time, allowing learners to move on to the next stage of education, apprenticeships, training or employment. 

We also know, however, this update will prompt many questions. To help with this, we have created a comprehensive series of questions and answers that represent the agreed procedures and arrangements to-date.

In the meantime, if you would like to speak to us directly, you can submit questions through our contact form, or by calling +44 (0)344 463 2535. 

Thank you for your ongoing patience and support. We continue to work as quickly as possible and aim to provide you with further information after Easter. Learners in colleges and training providers across the UK have put in huge amounts of work to get to this point and we intend to ensure they achieve the grades they deserve to move to the next stage. 

My thoughts and best wishes are with you all. 

Cindy Rampersaud

Senior Vice President, BTEC and Apprenticeships