This month's update highlights the latest news, new document releases, upcoming training opportunities, and support to help with your teaching and delivery.
November 2026 Creative Media update
5 November 2026
Read more
Welcome to the November 2026 update from your Subject Advisor
Qualification Reform
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This helps to ensure learners are registered before funding is withdrawn and avoids disruption part‑way through the course.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. Please contact me if you have any queries.
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.
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 Practice
- 601/7469/9 - Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
The 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.
Digital Assessment Plan (DAP)
The deadline to submit your digital assessment plans for qualifications in scope via Edexcel Online is 13 November.
Once submitted, an automatic validation check will tell you if there are any issues with your plans. Your plan should have a status of pending approval or approved to meet the deadline. If any of your plans are showing as in progress or not started, you'll need to address this before the deadline. You can still edit/make changes to your submitted plans after the deadline as they remain a working document.
Need help?
- Read the centre guide to digital assessment plans for step-by-step guidance
- Find out more about the validation checks
- Watch our recorded training session
- Join a drop-in session if you have questions or need help
If you're having trouble submitting your plan, let us know via the Pearson support portal so we can help.
Become a Pearson Examiner
Find out what it means to be a Pearson Assessment Associate, what the benefits are and how to apply at our free virtual webinar o
Wednesday 18 November, 4-4:45pm (GMT).
During the 45-minute event, we’ll cover:
- What to expect from the Assessment Associate role
- The benefits involved How to apply
- Answers to your questions in a live Q&A.
- Take your first step towards becoming a Pearson Examiner.
Register now https://pdacademy.pearson.com/courses/insights_become_an_examiner.html
We have updated guidance in the Administration Support Guide regarding the
videos for Task 3b that clarify the how skills can be captured on video.
Need support understanding the depth and breadth to teach the core content for the exam?
Please take a look at the T Level Media Core Content Guide 2026
Understanding the changes to the core content in the 2026 specification.
The feedback on these updates has been really positive and we hope they will support you and your students. We have a guide that goes over the most significant changes.
T Level Media Drop‑In. 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
The next one is 05 November 2026 at 16:00.
We are welcoming feedback about your experience teaching the T Level. Your feedback helps us understand what's working well, what isn’t and where you need more support.
Additional guidance about the BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production Component 1 Pearson-set assignment (PSA) for the summer 2027 series.
Our training videos have been migrated to youtube
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.
BTEC Nationals in Creative Digital Media Production 2016
Administrative Support Guides for Externally Assessed Components
02 December 2026 08:30 - 11:00 GMT
This 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.
At this event delegates will gain support and guidance in
planning, implementation, delivery, and assessment.
The session will:
• Explore the new content and new structures
• Discuss new delivery approach and assessment planning
• Consider a holistic approach to assessment
• Explore the Quality Assurance Model
• Discuss support available to tutors and centres
• Consider appropriate approaches to delivery
• Provide the opportunity for Q&A with a subject
specialist
This event can count as 2.5 hours of CPD.
Pearson Event Code26OBHNAD1/04
The Film & TV Educators Network is the professional community for UK screen educators. With over 1,000 members across 700+ UK institutions, the FTVEN connects teachers to the screen industries and to each other through free networking and CPD events, ready-to-use classroom resources, and a monthly newsletter filled with curated screen-education news.
Membership to the Network, as well as access to all events, is fully-funded for UK film & media teachers. Join here:
Upcoming Autumn CPD for film & media teachers include:
4 Nov: Sustainability & Accessibility in the Screen
Industries, London
Keep up to date with the latest industry standards in sustainable and
accessible film production in this dual-focus day. Aligned with ethics-centered
LOs across a range of specs, including T Level in Broadcast Media
Production (Core Element 7: EDI) and BTEC Digital Media Production (Unit 8 C2:
Ethical Considerations & Accessibility):
10 Nov: Directing Actors Workshop, London
Discover the craft of directing actors for the screen, and develop
the confidence to better guide aspiring directors as well as foster
positive and appropriate on-set communication for all crew members.
19 Nov : Elevating Student
Productions, Greater Manchester
Improve the visual standard of your students’
coursework without breaking your department's budget in this hands-on CPD
session covering both cinematography and storyboarding.
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 )
