Happy new year! We all hope you are keeping safe and well and were able to spend the break as you had planned. We are releasing this shorter VQ Bulletin today, in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

The Secretary of State issued a letter to schools and colleges on 16 December confirming that exams are set to continue, but we know from your feedback that this may be challenging given concerns around the level of staff and learner absence. During the Christmas break we had more announcements from government on isolation times changing and updates to public health guidance in relation to running exams.

The Secretary of State's letter to schools and colleges

The government announcement on isolation times

Updates to public health guidance

We are aware that many of you have questions about how to manage the BTEC assessments scheduled to take place this month and into February. Other assessments for Vocational Qualifications are offered ‘on-demand’ and therefore should be deferred when faced with disruption. 

We have updated our guidance to support the continuation of timetabled BTEC assessments from January. All of our support and further information is available from our main Vocational Teaching, Learning and Assessment Support Page.

Guidance for Managing BTEC Exams in 2022 (Covid-19) (PDF | 131 KB)

Vocational Teaching, Learning and Assessment Support Page

We recognise the huge amount of work you have already undertaken to enable the safe return of learners and staff. I want to pass on my thanks to you, for your enduring commitment and support. If you have any questions or need support, please contact us. We will update you with further information should the situation change.

Contact us

Thank you for your continued patience during these unprecedented times.

Best wishes,

Claire Rogers
Interim Senior Vice President for BTEC & Apprenticeships