Welcome to the January 2026 update from your Subject Advisor
This month brings information on the extension to the Higher Nationals in Sport and Sports and Exercise Science qualifications, a training course for GCSE PE: Component 4 PEP, as well as upcoming dates and deadlines, resources, and delivery support to prepare for this term.
To view the latest updates for your qualification, just click the section that matches what you teach.
Final registration 31 August 2027
We have extended the following Higher National Sport and Sport and Exercise Science qualifications in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and internationally.
For centres in these regions, the last registration date is now 31 August 2027. This means you can continue registering learners on these qualifications until that date, and plan and deliver this qualification suite with confidence for another year.
BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport (603/2308/5)
BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Sport (603/2309/7)
BTEC Higher National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science (603/2276/7)
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science (603/2277/9)
Looking further ahead
We are developing an updated Higher National Sport and Sport and Exercise suite, featuring:
As ever, our goal is to make sure these updated qualifications will continue to meet industry needs and support students progressing to employment or further study. Keep an eye out for more news in the coming months.
From the January 2026 series, we’ll be asking you to submit a slightly larger sample size for moderation in BTEC Tech Awards.
From June 2026, this approach will also apply to GCSE, A level and Entry Level Certificate qualifications.
This change is designed to make moderation smoother and reduce the need for additional sample requests later in the year.
Join the final January Challenge!
Pearson is proud to partner with 64 Million Artists for the last-ever January Challenge – a free programme of daily creative prompts throughout January. Perfect for classrooms, staff rooms, and whole-school activities.
This year the theme is ‘Courageous Change’ with each of the prompts designed to help us get a new perspective, build our courage and helpus collaborate so that we can be more prepared for this ever changing world.
At Pearson, we've helped create the schools resource pack again this year and two prompts were written by your Subject Advisors!
To get involved, you can:
Last year 360,000 people took part and we’re hoping to make the last one the biggest and best. There’s no better time to make change than now, so sign up and take part, and we’ll see you there!
Do you teach GCSE PE, A level PE, BTEC Tech Award in Sport or BTEC Nationals in Sport?
Then this group was made for you. It’s a friendly, professional space where you can share ideas, swap tips, and ask those everyday teaching questions.
Whether you're after inspiration or support, this is a great place to collaborate with others and get the latest news.
| Date | GCSE and A PE |
|---|---|
| 21 February 2026 | Deadline for entries - late entry fees after this date (international centre entry deadline is 21 March) |
| Mid February | Moderators contact centres |
| 1 March 2026 | Start of moderator visits |
| 1 March-5 May | Submission of centre marks and moderation samples |
| 5 May 2026 | End of moderation window |
| 13 August 2026 | A Level Results day |
| 20 August 2026 | GCSE Results day |
Special consideration for GCSE PE – Component 3
For Practical Performance, if the centre has formally assessed the candidate(s) and awarded the mark during the course of study it is not required for candidate(s) to apply for special consideration. You must inform the moderator that you have formally assessed the learner in all activities, and is now injured and cannot be part of the sample. You should then submit the marks in exactly the same way as you do for every other learner.
However, if the candidate(s) has never been formally assessed in one or more activity during the whole course of study, then they should apply for special consideration.
If the candidate(s) has failed to participate in an assessment/examination without valid reason, it is expected that they will be awarded the mark of absent and special consideration cannot be requested.
For further guidance see page 28 in the Instructions for the Conduct of NEA
Instructions for the Conduct of Non Examined Assessment (NEA) - Summer 2026
Centres will need to fill in two forms:
• JCQ’s Form 10
• Pearson’s Form 10 (for practical performance)
Applications for special consideration along with the appropriate documentation, such as a medical certificate, should be sent to uk.special.requirements@ pearson.com
I am delighted to announce that there are a few new exemplars for Component 4: PEP, including new exemplars on swimming, handball, athletics, gaelic footbal, netball, trampolining, climbing and netball
| Title | Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCSE PE: Component 4 PEP - Marking Training | 12 January 2026 | 16.00 - 18.00 | Register |
Check out our free on demand recorded training courses GCSE and A Level PE
We recently published the BTEC key dates and term-time checkpoints for 2025/26. While your exams officers will take the lead on most of these activities, your support will be important to help meet these deadlines, so it’s useful to be aware of what is required and when.
| May/June Series | BTEC Tech Award in Sport |
|---|---|
| 1 September 2025 | PSA release for Component 1 and Component 2 for Summer 2026 |
| 1 November 2025 | Deadline for registrations - late registration fees after this date |
| 21 February 2026 | Deadline for entries for summer 2026 series - late entry fees after this date |
| 13 April 2026 | Learner Work Transfer (LWT) available |
| 7 May 2026 | Component 3: Developing Fitness to Improve Other Participants Performance in Sport - exam (BSP03/01) |
| 15 May 2026 | Deadline to upload Component 1 and/or Component 2 work on LWT |
| 26 June 2022 | Deadline for amending marks following moderator feedback where necessary for internal assessments (optional) |
| 14 August 2026 | Restricted release of results to centres |
| 20 August 2026 | Release of results to learners |
| May/June Series | BTEC L3 Nationals |
|---|---|
| 1 November 2025 | Deadline for registrations - late registration fees after this date |
| 15 May 2026 | Deadline for Standards Verification sampling |
| 15 June 2026 | Deadline for Standards Verification additional sampling (if applicable) |
| 5 July 2026 | Deadline to submit results for certification on August results days |
| 5 August 2026 | Restricted release of results to centres |
| 13 August 2026 | Release of results to learners |
| May/June Series | BTEC International |
|---|---|
| within 60 days of enrolment at the centre | Deadline for registrations - late registration fees after this date |
| June 2025 | Release of Pearson-set Assignments (PSA) - valid for 1 year after publish date |
| 5 July 2026 | Deadline to submit results for certification on August results days (ie. for learners applying to HEIs via UCAS) |
| Immediately after completion | Deadline to submit results for certification for non-UK-academic year programmes |
| May/June Series | BTEC Higher Nationals |
|---|---|
| 15 November 2025 | Deadline for registrations |
| November 2025 | Allocation of External Examiner (EE) |
| November 2025 - February 2026 |
Contact made with your EE |
| November 2025 - March 2026 |
Two assignment briefs sent to your EE for review |
| May - July 2026 | External Examination sampling - completed by 30 July |
| August 2026 | Students receive qualification |
On 20 October the government published its Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper. We know you'll have questions about what this means for you and your students. Pearson want to provide you with clear information and reassurance.
Most importantly, you should continue to register your learners and deliver your programmes as planned for 2025/26. There are no immediate changes to your current provision, and BTECs continue to provide excellent outcomes for the thousands of students who choose vocational pathways each year.
As soon as we have full details about the funding arrangements for 2026/27, we’ll share them with you straight away, so you can plan with confidence.
Stay up to date with the latest news for BTEC qualifications.
Celebrating Excellence in Teaching
The Pearson National Teaching Awards honour teachers who inspire creativity and change lives.
Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate them today!
I hope you found this update useful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the contact details below.
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