BTEC Nationals April Update
Coming back after the Easter break is a chance to reset and look ahead.
This update brings together key information and practical reminders to support your planning as the term continues. Please remember you don’t need to do everything at once, and I’m always happy to help if you’d like to talk anything through.
Level 3 Digital Options Guide
To support your planning through Level 3 reform, we have a Route to Success page with support for the reform journey. We have also created Digital Options Guide for post 16 provision in 2026. This guide provides a clear overview of what centres can offer in Digital from September 2026 onwards. It is designed to support educators who may be concerned about the withdrawal of large level 3 qualifications and want clarity on alternative Pearson pathways. It includes:
- Example study programmes
- Pearson qualification options from 2026 onwards, including the T Levels, AAQs and smaller BTECs
- Useful links and guidance for curriculum discussions
BTEC National Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)
You can find the dates for all externally assessed units here:
Or use the new BTEC external assessment overview tool.
Try the BTEC External Assessment Tool
Internally assessed units continue to follow the quality assurance process for the AAQ suite and this starts with the submission of an assessment plan.
Next years provisional dates can be found in the links below.
Preparing for External Assessments
During this session you will: - Discuss the external assessment unit content - Gain an overview of the assessment and its structure - Discuss how to best prepare your learners to sit an external assessment - Look at example questions and the accompanying mark schemes Pearson has reviewed the format and content of all its training events to ensure the security of its examinations. Please be aware that this training is for ENGLAND CENTRES ONLY Please also be aware that this event will be recorded and shared publicly
| Qualification |
Date | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 14 April 16:00 - 17:30 | Register |
Getting Started Events
These events will cover ways to Plan and Teach BTEC National AAQ in Computing and Information Technology. Links to recordings of these events can be found below.
Getting ready for Internal Assessment
These events are aimed at UK based teachers preparing to deliver the new BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
Preparing for External Assessment
These events are aimed at UK based teachers preparing to deliver the new BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
| Qualification |
Date | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | Mar 2026 | Coming Soon |
| Computing | Mar 2026 | Coming Soon |
Frequently asked questions
We have created a FAQ document that will continue to be updated as we capture and answer more questions. This repository will be a valuable source of information and can be the first port of call whenever you are looking for guidance for AAQ IT Unit 3 or Unit 4 questions.
Information Technology
For Information Technology AAQ we have the 'Student Book', 'Student eBook' and 'Complete Package' are all available now
Computing
For Computing AAQ we have the 'Student Book', 'Student eBook' and 'Complete Package' are all available now
Help us make Pearson AAQ BTEC National paid resources work for you
Hearing from you helps us continue to develop and improve our BTEC resource so they meet your needs, so we’d really welcome your feedback. This survey should only take you 10-15 minutes to complete, and we want to hear from you whether you've bought our resources or chosen not to..
Information Technology AAQ
Planning and Teaching Guide, Unit guides and Transferrable Skills Framework and Transition guide.
Pearson Set Assignments for the two internally assessed units, 4 for Unit 3 and 3 for Unit 4
Computing AAQ
Planning and Teaching Guide, Unit guides and Transferrable Skills Framework and Transition Guide.
Pearson Set Assignments for the two internally assessed units, 4 for Unit 3 and 4 for Unit 4
BTEC Nationals (RQF)
The government has confirmed that no additional existing qualifications will have their funding removed in 2026/27. This means that the National Diploma (1080) and Extended Diploma (720) will remain funded in IT and Computing for the next academic year. A list of qualifications that will have their funding removed for academic year 2027/28 can be found below:
Qualifications due to have funding removed in 2027/2028
We’ve extended Information Technology and Computing Level 3 BTEC Nationals RQF in Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and for Independent Centres in England for registrations up to the 2028/29 academic year, with a final registration date of 31 July 2029. These extensions allow you to plan with confidence and make sure you have the provision needed for the coming years.
Read the Northern Ireland Update
Read the Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Independent Centres in England Update
You can find the dates for all externally assessed units here:
Or use the new BTEC external assessment overview tool.
Try the BTEC External Assessment Tool
Internally assessed units continue to follow the standard quality assurance process for the RQF suite and this starts with the submission of an assessment plan.
Next years provisional dates can be found in the links below.
Remember in England the September 2025 cohort represent the final registrations on these qualifications. They will remain funded through to certification which would normally be Summer 2027 for two year programs.
Qualification pages for these quals are shown below:
In Northern Ireland (NI) and Wales you can continue to offer the BTEC Nationals RQF at all sizes and we have some dedicated pages to help you find information and support as things change we will keep this page updated as developments occur.
Funding clarification is here:
BTEC Level 3 Funding Guide for 16-19 year olds in Wales
BTEC Level 3 Funding Guide for 16-19 year olds in Northern Ireland
Subject advisor
Tim Brady
Computer Science and ICT Subject Advisor
