On 24 March 2021, the DfE and Ofqual announced their arrangements for issuing results this year for Ofqual-regulated Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs) in response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
We recognise that learners on the same programmes may be returning to teaching and learning at different times of the year. As a result, we have been working closely with Ofqual to manage the broad range of qualifications in the VTQ landscape.
The Ofqual/DfE consultation outcome ‘Alternative arrangements for the award of VTQs and other general qualifications in 2021’ sets out three qualification categories:
- Category A – Qualifications with occupational skills or proficiency assessments
- Category B1 - Qualifications most similar to GCSEs and A levels
- Category B2 – Qualifications not similar to GCSEs or A levels
This guidance relates to qualifications that fall into category B2. To see a full list of qualifications and their categories, you can access the Ofqual Explainer Tool or on Pearson’s dedicated webpage for Awarding results in 2021.
Category B2 qualifications
Category B2 are qualifications which are used to support progression to further or higher study but do not have the same characteristics as GCSEs, AS, A levels and are not delivered in the same way. Such characteristics include:
- qualifications which do not have to follow an academic cycle,
- are ‘smaller’ qualifications (low Guided Learning Hours),
- where learners take assessments when they are ready and not at fixed points during the academic year,
- which are not only taught in schools and colleges, and/or
- which do not include any assessment of occupational skills but may be assessing some element of proficiency.
For B2 qualifications, Ofqual’s position is as follows:
“… Category B2, include those qualifications which are important for progression to further or higher study or employment, but which are smaller than GCSEs and A levels, tend to be at lower levels, don’t always follow an academic year cycle and learners can sit the assessments when they are ready because exams or assessments are available on-demand. Learners would therefore have the opportunity to sit assessments later in the year if teaching and learning has been disrupted, and a TAG will be used only as a last resort where necessary”.
We have reflected on specific issues affecting the delivery of the qualifications in category B2 and have considered the best options available to maximise results for learners this summer.
Our approach is therefore based on the need to ensure:
- centres can continue as normal where safe and possible
- learners in different settings are not disadvantaged over their peers taking the same qualifications,
- learners who require more time are given the opportunity to complete their learning
As a result, the primary approach for category B2 qualifications will be to continue to teach and assess as normal. Quality assurance will therefore run as normal, allowing centres to claim as normal. We believe this is the best option to maximise results for learners this summer.
However, should learners become impacted, and are unable to complete assessments safely, and need results to progress this summer, centres will have the option to apply for a ‘Teacher Assessed Grade’ at qualification level (Q-TAG). This means to be eligible for a Q-TAG, all teaching and learning must be undertaken, and every attempt is made to provide an assessment opportunity for learners.
Reduced unit assessment options for some B2 qualifications
The option of reduced unit assessment (RUA) remains available for some of these qualifications to support learners progress this summer. Content is still required to be taught, but centres do not need to undertake formal assessments where RUA is permitted. Further infromation view our RUA guidance (PDF|720.7 KB).
Claiming RUA – ‘Z flag process’
Centres using the RUA option will need to report reduced assessment units in Edexcel Online (EOL) using the ‘Z’ flag function. In addition, you will need to submit a ‘grade’ for graded qualifications or ‘pass’ for non-graded qualifications based on the learner’s performance level in that unit.
Should learners continue to be impacted by COVID-19 and are unable to safely complete assessments, you may as a last resort still apply for a Q-TAG.
Centres must exhaust all options before applying for Q-TAGs.
For B2 qualifications, as the Q-TAG option is a last resort, centres do not need to meet the 18th June B1 qualification Q-TAG submission deadline, applications will be accepted up until 31 August 2021. However, should your learners require grades for Higher Education, we would encourage centres to apply by 18th June to ensure timely results.
We have created a flowchart to support your understanding of the options available for BTEC qualifications categorised as ‘B2’.
Programmes released for certification
If you have Direct Claim Status (DCS) or your programme has a release based on successful standards verification for B2 qualifications you can continue to make normal claims for the learners who do not need to access a Q-TAG.
You only need to follow the process in this guidance if your learners need a Q-TAG. Do not claim for learners who need a Q-TAG; these learners must follow the Q-TAG application process detailed in this guidance.
Increased external quality assurance measures
Quality assurance should be completed in line with the normal (pre-Covid 19) quality assurance requirements. Claims should also be made as normal. Please refer to the relevant quality assurance handbook for your qualification(s). For BTEC programmes, we will maintain this year’s BTEC sampling regime of 1 unit and 3 learners per programme; successful sampling is required before certification can be claimed. In line with normal practice, and subject to risk or standards not being met, second sampling (BTEC QA) or additional samples (WBL QA) may be required to ensure valid and reliable results, as per our normal risk-based sampling requirements.