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No decisions on summer exams yet

11:30am

Dear BTEC Learners,

I appreciate the last week will have been extremely challenging as you tried to understand the implications of the DfE and Ofqual guidance on the vocational exams you were due to sit this January.  We know that for some of you it will have meant your school or college deciding exams would take place, while for others they were cancelled.  We want you to know that since this guidance was issued, we have been consulting very closely with DfE and Ofqual to determine the safest and fairest route forward for you, whatever decision your college or school made. 

11:30am

Dear Colleague,

I appreciate the last week was extremely challenging as you worked through implications of the Department of Education (DfE) and Ofqual guidance regarding January 2021 vocational exams. Since this guidance was released, we have been consulting very closely with DfE and Ofqual to determine the safest and fairest route forward for you, and your learners.  

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new lockdown and the news that schools and colleges will close to the majority of learners, we have been working with the Department for Education (DfE) to understand what this means for BTEC exams scheduled for January. Our aim has been to bring you the clarity we know you need and deserve, as soon as possible.  

Pearson, the world’s learning company, has announced its next phase of locations where people can take PTE as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes.

The DfE has now confirmed that vocational exams, including BTECs, will go ahead in January. We are working with them urgently to understand the implications of this and will share any updates as soon as we have them.

You will have seen this evening’s announcement by the UK government on further national restrictions being implemented in the UK, including UK school closures. We know that you will be thinking through and dealing with the implications of this across all areas of life and work - for yourselves, your families and your local and educational communities.

Following the Prime Minister’s broadcast this evening, we are working urgently with the Department of Education and Ofqual to confirm if this announcement also impacts the BTEC exams scheduled to start this week. As soon as we know more, we’ll update you.

Thank you for your patience.

Following the annoucement from the Secretary of State on 30 December regarding the delayed return of some pupils to colleges and schools in January, the DfE has clarified what this means for BTEC learners expecting to sit external assessments in January.

Following this afternoon’s statement from the Secretary of State regarding the delayed return of some pupils to colleges and schools in January, the DfE has clarified what this means for BTEC learners expecting to sit external assessments in January.