Proposed approach to awarding BTEC qualifications in summer 2020

This is subject to the outcomes of the Ofqual consultation for vocational and technical qualifications and any further directions from Ofqual and the Secretary of State.

We are communicating this with you now, so you have time to consider what this may mean for your centre and learners, and can plan accordingly.

Proposed approach for calculating results

We have produced a short short guide [PDF | 946 KB] for the calculated results approach, which will cover the BTEC Level 3 Nationals, BTEC Levels 2 and 3 Technicals, BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Awards and BTEC Level 1/2 Firsts, BTEC Specialist qualifications (Entry Level to Level 3) and Foundation Learning.

We are proposing that centres provide:

• results for completed internally assessed units
• centre assessment grades for incomplete internally assessed units 
• a single ranking at qualification level.

This information will be subject to a statistical standardisation and relevant quality checks, which may result in adjustments to grades.

In order to reduce the burden on centres, we will not be asking for centre assessment grades for externally assessed units. We plan to calculate results for external units instead, where learners have entries or test bookings, based on the available information and ranking. 

Year 10s and Year 12s

We have received a lot of queries about what this all means for your first-year learners on a two-year programme (e.g. Year 10s and Year 12s). We support the proposal laid out in the Ofqual consultation, for qualifications following a calculated results approach, which is that “[…] all learners, no matter their age or the setting within which they are taking their assessments, should be able to access a result […]”. We are therefore proposing to issue results for assessments due to be taken between 20 March and 31 July 2020 for all learners, taking these qualifications, where appropriate evidence is available, including Year 10s and Year 12s. Further details are available in the guide. 

Formal assessment

Therefore, we do not require or expect any formal assessment for BTEC to take place while learners are studying at home. Whilst not a requirement, we are encouraging and supporting continued learning at home during this time, so when learners return to school or college, progress to HE, an apprenticeship, or work, they have the knowledge and skills they need to continue with confidence.  

Licence to practise qualifications within the BTEC suite

Please note that this guidance does not apply to a few sport/childcare/dental technology qualifications, where there is a licence to practise element and assessment will either be adapted or delayed as a last resort. We will shortly be communicating further details about this group of qualifications.

BTEC Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD)

We have also produced a short guide [PDF | 290 KB] for these qualifications, which is available.

BTEC Higher Nationals

The BTEC Higher Nationals will also have a separate guide covering relevant mitigation processes, which will follow once the Ofqual consultation has concluded.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a query.

Thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. We will continue to keep you updated.

Best wishes,

Cindy Rampersaud
Senior Vice President, BTEC and Apprenticeships