This month's update highlights the latest news, qualification reform updates, upcoming training opportunities, and support to help with your teaching and delivery.
October 2026 Creative Media update
Mon Oct 05 13:57:00 UTC 2026
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Welcome to the October 2026 update from your Subject Advisor
Join us at our new Post-16 Vocational Qualification form briefing for Creative Media
Qualification reform continues to shape the education landscape across general and vocational qualifications.Pearson's reform hub brings together the latest updates, insights and support to help educators understand upcoming changes and prepare with confidence.
Important Funding update for Creative Media Extended Diplomas from 2026/27:
Funding for the following qualifications will end on 1st August 2027:
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice (1080 GLH)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production (1080 GLH)
If you currently use any of these qualifications as a progression from a smaller size, you’ll need to register learners on the extended qualification from the start of their programme in September 2026.
This helps to ensure learners are registered before funding is withdrawn and avoids disruption part‑way through the course.
Please note only the 1,080 GLH sizes are affected. The smaller sizes in these suites remain funded for new learner registrations until 2029/30.
From 2027/28, centres offering Media Extended Diplomas will need to consider alternative funded routes. To support this please sign up to the 8th October Reform Briefing.
Following a review of qualification availability for independent schools, we can confirm that the following Media Extended Diplomas will continue to be available for self-funded independent schools until 2030:603/4665/6 - Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice601/7469/9 - Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media ProductionThe last registrations will now be in the 2029/30 academic year. Learners registered in 2029/30 will be able to complete their qualification in 2031. We hope this is welcome news and helps independent schools plan extended provision with confidence.
Useful links to support programme planning, review and enhancement
T Level Media Drop‑In. 05 November 2026 at 16:00. These informal monthly sessions on the first Thursday of each month will be an opportunity to get clear, practical answers to the questions that matter most to you, whether they relate to content, assessment, or implementation
Lessons from T Level Media Core assessments. 19 October 2026 17:00 - 18:00. Maximising success in the Core paper and ESP. Drawing on learning from previous assessment series, this session explores how students can maximise their performance in the Core assessments.
We value your insights on the T Level Media, Broadcast and Production.
Thank you to everyone who has already shared their feedback. We know your insights are invaluable in helping shape our support and resources, so the survey will remain open for anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to contribute.
It will take around 15 minutes to comeplete the survey, we look forward to hearing your views
Stay on track with key BTEC dates, deadlines and milestones throughout the year. The guide also includes links to guidance, training, events and support resources to help you plan ahead and stay informed.
We recommend bookmarking the guide and sharing it with colleagues involved in qualification delivery.
Stay on track with key BTEC dates, deadlines and milestones throughout the year. The guide also includes links to guidance, training, events and support resources to help you plan ahead and stay informed.We recommend bookmarking the guide and sharing it with colleagues involved in qualification delivery.
Deadline:13 November 2026
Qualifications in Scope and Guidance
Working with us is about to get easier. The Digital Assessment Plan (DAP) is now live, giving centres a simpler way to plan assessments.
BTEC Creative Media qualifications in scope are:
- BTEC Nationals Creative Digital Media Production (2016) | Pearson qualifications
- BTEC Nationals Creative Media Production (2010) | Pearson qualifications
- BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Creative Digital Media Production | Pearson qualifications
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Creative Media Production (QCF) | Pearson qualifications
Qualifications not in scope will continue to use the existing assessment plan template. A full list can be found in Appendix A of the BTEC Digital Assessment Plan Centre Guidance.
Training and support
Join an interactive training session to see how to access DAP through Edexcel Online, create and submit plans, and use key features - with time for questions.
Prefer informal support? Drop into one of our regular DAP Drop-In Sessions for quick answers and to share feedback.
Both run throughout the rollout, so join whenever suits you.
Explore our new YouTube playlists
Our training videos have been migrated to youtube
02 December 2026 08:30 - 11:00 GMTThis online event is suitable for Program Managers, Internal Verifiers, Assessors, Tutors and Heads of Department working in centres planning to offer any of the qualification in the new BTEC Higher Nationals Creative Media and Art and Design Suite.Pearson Event Code26OBHNAD1/04
Dates: 5-11 October 2026
Join Art UK for a week of free events, webinars and resources exploring the importance of visual literacy in education and beyond.
Discover practical classroom approaches, hear from experts, and explore how visual literacy can help students develop critical thinking, communication and creativity skills.
Visual Literacy Week 2026
Dates: 5-11 October 2026
Join Art UK for a week of free events, webinars and resources exploring the importance of visual literacy in education and beyond.Discover practical classroom approaches, hear from experts, and explore how visual literacy can help students develop critical thinking, communication and creativity skills.
Save the dates!
19 – 23 October 2026 marks national T Levels Week.
The Department for Education is encouraging everyone to get behind the week and share what you are doing to celebrate your T Level successes and spotlight the brilliant students, teachers and employers who make all this possible.
There is a T Levels Week toolkit, including promotional assets, social media resources and guidance to help you get involved and amplify your activity throughout the week.
Please get involved with the week through events, PR and social media, and share your stories using the dedicated hashtag #TLevelsWeek.
You can sign up to get Creative Media updates straight to your inbox every month.
Thank you!
I hope you found this update useful. If you have any questions, please get in touch using the contact details below.
Subject advisor
Briony Brooks
Subject Advisor for Creative Media
Email :
Facebook :
Phone :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535
(Teaching Services team | Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm GMT )
