'First entry' definition changed for BTEC Firsts
The Department for Education (DfE) has changed the definition of what will count as 'first entry' for BTEC First qualifications.
Where a BTEC 'discounts' against a GCSE (if a learner studies both qualifications in a similar subject), only one of these results, the one that is 'entered' first, will be eligible for performance measures.
Until summer 2015 that 'entry' date for GCSE was the date of the first exam, while for BTEC the date was set at 5 July, irrespective of when the learner actually completed the qualification.
What’s changed?
From 1 September 2015 this definition changed, so that the 'entry' date for BTEC Firsts became the actual certification date.
What is the impact of this change?
It is important that you are able to choose the qualifications which are most appropriate for your students. We do not advocate 'doubling up' qualifications with the same discount code or putting students through assessment before they are ready.
However where you feel it is appropriate for students to be taking qualifications with the same discount code, this new definition means that either the BTEC result could go forward for performance tables or the GCSE result, depending on when the certification claim is made. In previous years the GCSE would automatically have counted, as the first GCSE exam date is always before 5 July 2015.
You can see the qualifications which 'discount' below.
Contact our Subject Advisors
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your curriculum options, you can contact our Subject Advisors and their teams by phone or email.