Update to timetabling and entry deadline for BTEC

2021 summer series

Following discussions with schools and colleges and to ensure fairness for all learners who will be preparing for external assessments in summer 2021, we are proposing to align our BTEC exam timetable to the revised exam timetable for general qualifications. This means our BTEC assessment window would start on 24 May and end on 2 July.

We know many of you who support the alignment of VQ and GQ assessment timetables also have concerns about the challenges this may present in terms of exam timetable clashes and we are working closely with JCQ to ensure these are mitigated.

Our intention, as with every timetable release, is to give you a chance to give us your feedback before it is finalised and we will be in touch as soon as the assessment timetables are in first draft, which we expect to be early next week.

January/February/March 2021 series

We are waiting for confirmation from the DfE and Ofqual on our proposed adaptations before we can confirm any timetable adjustments to our assessment timings for the January, February and March 2021 series. However, we can confirm that the assessment timetable will not be pushed back. You can read more about our adaptation proposals (PDF | 210KB) and we intend to be able to confirm our proposals with you from 23 October when we have heard back from the DfE and Ofqual.

In response to requests from schools and colleges to have confirmation of the adaptations that have been proposed before making examination entries for the January and February series, we will be extending the deadline for examination entries from 19 October to 1 November. Late fees will be charged from 2 November.

I would like to thank all of you who have provided us with feedback on our proposed assessment adaptations. We value your input and support. Please visit our FAQ page or contact us if you have any further questions.

Best wishes,

Cindy Rampersaud
Senior Vice-President
BTEC & Apprenticeships