An update on the release of BTEC calculated results
I hope you are keeping well and safe during these unprecedented times. As previously communicated, we are starting to release calculated results for some of our BTEC qualifications. This means that we’ve started issuing internal unit results on Edexcel Online (EOL) this week on a rolling basis. We expect the first main batch of overall qualification results for 100% internally assessed BTEC qualifications (including the BTEC Level 3 Nationals, QCF) to be issued from 27 July 2020.
These tables outline when you can expect results for each qualification suite, and summarise how we have calculated results. We will be notifying you via your Exams Officer and Quality Nominee to confirm when results for your centre are released, please make sure their contact details are up to date on EOL. This notification will tell you whether we have adjusted any of your Centre Assessment Grades, or not, for that specific BTEC qualification. Further details about any adjustments will follow shortly afterwards, as detailed below.
Preparing results for learners
We know that many of you have your own platforms for issuing learner results (e.g. ProMonitor). You can choose to input the final unit and qualification grades into your own platforms or print confirmation reports from EOL. These can be issued in person or emailed to learners, depending on whether your centre will be open to support results day activity. We will be changing claims from ‘interim awards’ to ‘full awards’ for completing learners for you. Certificates will look the same as in previous years, to ensure learners not disadvantaged.
We strongly recommend that you share results of internally assessed qualifications (especially BTEC Level 3 Nationals, QCF) with learners as soon as you can after receiving them. This will give learners the maximum time to prepare for their next steps and confirm progression plans.
Meanwhile, BTEC Level 3 Nationals (RQF) qualification results are embargoed until 13 August 2020 and BTEC Level 2 qualifications (e.g. Firsts, Tech Awards, Technicals) with series-based external assessment, embargoed until 20 August 2020.
Unit results for learners continuing with their studies in 2020/21 will be available within the same timeframe as above.
UCAS and university admissions for BTEC Level 3 learners
The UCAS Clearing service for this year has already opened. Universities are expected to receive the first batch of BTEC Level 3 Nationals (QCF) calculated results from 30 July 2020 onwards. UCAS and universities will be getting in touch with learners shortly after they receive their results to confirm offers and arrangements.
As in previous years, UCAS has an embargo window with universities, which is from 2pm Friday 7 August until 8am 13 August 2020, to avoid results being inadvertently released to learners. This means UCAS and universities are unlikely to be able to discuss results/offers for any learners who receive results from 4 August onwards until the morning of 13 August 2020.
We anticipate that the vast majority of BTEC Level 3 Nationals (QCF) learners will have received their qualification results by 3 August 2020, with most available on 27 July 2020. This should give them time to speak to UCAS and universities prior to the embargo window.
This open letter by UCAS and Universities UK can be used to reassure learners about the flexible approach they will be taking this year to support all Level 3 learners during this unprecedented time.
Understanding your results and appeals
We will be issuing you with a report on 12 August 2020 to help you understand the calculated results for your centre. This will outline which grades have been adjusted, as well any historical data for your centre, which helped inform our calculations.
The appeals service is expected to open from 13 August 2020, which is the point by which all Level 3 results will be issued (QCF, RQF, A level) and you will have all the information you need to inform any appeal. We are currently finalising the appeals process with JCQ and the other Awarding Organisations, which will need to be in line with the outcomes of the Ofqual consultation on appeals (due to be published shortly). We anticipate being able to send you further details about the appeals process in week commencing 27 July 2020.
Next academic year (2020/21)
We know that many of you have outstanding questions about managing teaching and assessment next year for BTEC qualifications. We are working closely with Ofqual and the other Awarding Organisations and will be in touch with you as soon as we have more information on this. As previously communicated, Ofqual have published a position paper and principles that will underpin the approach to be taken next year for vocational qualifications.
We intend to publish BTEC sector guides in August to support delivery and assessment from September 2020. These will include any mitigations deemed necessary due to social distancing requirements and the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and assessment.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We thank you for your tremendous support with this process, as well as your understanding and patience during this time.
Best wishes,
Cindy Rampersaud
Senior Vice-President
BTEC & Apprenticeships