Funding approved for more new BTECs for first teach September 2026
Level 3 BTEC National AAQs
We are pleased to announce that the new Certificate size (180 GLH) Level 3 BTEC National AAQs in the following subjects have been approved for funding and will be available for first teaching in England from September 2026:
At 180 guided learning hours, these smaller qualifications are equivalent in size to one AS level (half an A level). These give students the option of qualifications with an applied and practical focus to complement A levels as part of a mixed programme of learning, helping to bring theoretical learning to life.
The Certificate qualifications contain a subset of units which are shared with the Extended Certificate.
Read our guide to the AAQ Certificate units (pending approval)
BTEC Level 3 Technicals
The BTEC Level 3 Technicals for Data Technicians and Software Development Technicians have also been approved for funding for first teaching in England from September 2026:
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Data Technicians (Certificate) (610/6197/9)
Everything you need to prepare
You’ll find everything you need to deliver with confidence on the specification and course materials pages for each qualification:
- Planning and teaching guides and transition guides for the AAQs to help you plan your delivery and adapt from the previous BTEC Nationals to the new qualification structure.
- Sample assessment materials, which you can use as a teaching tool or for mock assessments, with additional sample assessment materials coming in January.
- Pearson set assignment briefs for all internally assessed units. These are secure downloads, so you’ll need your Edexcel Online credentials to download them.