V Level, AAQ, BTEC Nationals October Update
October is a good opportunity to build on the momentum of the new academic year and look ahead to the months to come. This update brings together key information, practical guidance and important reminders to support your planning and delivery, alongside the latest developments in general and vocational qualification reforms. As always, we remain committed to supporting you and your students throughout the year.
Post 16 Reform Update
Please use these links to tab into our very latest information and guidance relqated to Level 2 (Post 16) and Level 3 reforms:
Digital Assessment Plan
The Digital Assessment Plan (DAP) is now live, giving centres a simpler way to plan assessments. The DAP is now required for BTEC Nationals RQF and AAQs see the Centre User Guide for full details.
Training and support
What do you need to do?
- ✓ Access DAP through Edexcel Online
- ✓ Read the Centre User Guide
- ✓ Watch training recording
- ✓ Join a drop-in for extra support
- ✓ Check back for the latest updates
V Level - Digital Systems and Data
Sign up for this live sector-specific webinar to get the latest details about how and when post-16 vocational reforms will affect digital. You'll be updated on funding of current qualifications, regulatory requirements that will govern new content and assessments, and timelines for transition.
Post -16 Vocational Qualification reform briefing:
Digital Oct 14, 2026 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM BST
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 Wales Update (Feb 2026)
Read the Northern Ireland Update (Feb 2026)
Read the Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Independent Centres in England Update (Feb 2026)
To find dates for externall assessments 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.
BTEC National Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)
To search dates for all upcoming external assessments 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.
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.
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..
Including Centre Standardisation materials now for all the internally assessed units.
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 Wales Update (Feb 2026)
Read the Northern Ireland Update (Feb 2026)
Read the Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Independent Centres in England Update (Feb 2026)
To find dates for externall assessments 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.
Subject advisor
Tim Brady
Computer Science and ICT Subject Advisor
