BTEC Nationals February Update
As we move towards the half term, I know how busy this period can be. I’ve pulled together key information and helpful reminders to support your planning over the coming weeks. I’m here whenever you need me, so please do get in touch with any questions.
Level 3 Digital Options Guide
To support your planning through Level 3 reform, we have created a 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
Digital Options Guide
Looking for Exam Dates
Introducing your new BTEC external assessment overview tool
If you’re running BTEC external assessments, you want to find everything you need to know quickly and easily so that everything runs smoothly. We’ve made a new tool to help you do exactly that.
BTEC National Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)
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.
| Qualification |
Date | Recording/ Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | May 2025 | Recording |
| Computing | May 2025 | Recording |
Getting ready for Internal Assessmant
These events are aimed at UK based teachers preparing to deliver the new BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
| Qualification |
Date | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | Nov 2025 | Recording |
| Computing | Nov 2025 | 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.
Getting ready for Internal Assessmant
These events are aimed at UK based teachers preparing to deliver the new BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
| Qualification |
Date | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 3 Feb 2026 | 16:00 - 17:30 | Register |
| Information Technology | 3 Mar 2026 | 16:00 - 17:30 | Register |
| Computing | 10 Feb 2026 | 16:00 - 17:30 | Register |
| Computing | 10 Mar 2026 | 16:00 - 17:30 | Register |
Getting ready for External Assessmant
These events are aimed at UK based teachers preparing to deliver the new BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
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
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)
You can find the dates for all externally assessed units here:
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.
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
