Welcome to the September 2026 update from your Subject Advisor
This month brings an update on everything you need for the start of the new academic year, including support and guidance on the updated non examination assessment authentication sheets, new Digital Assessment plans, Quality Nominee support, training opportunities, Centre Standardisation Material (CSMs) and key dates.
For results and post results support please refer to August 2026 PE and Sport Results Day update
This update covers:
All awarding organisations have updated the information about the use of AI for non-examination assessment on their authentication sheets to ensure that the rules are clear to both students and teachers.
The new GCSE PE and GCE PE authentication sheets (for both Component 3 and Component 4) must be used for all submissions from 1 September 2026.
You can access the new authentcation forms in the specifications
Working with us is about to get easier. The Digital Assessment Plan (DAP) is now live, giving centres a simpler way to plan their programme.
BTEC in Sport/Sport and Exercise Science qualifications in scope are:
BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Firsts in Sport (2012)
BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Firsts in Sport (2018)
BTEC Nationals in Sport (2016) qualifications
BTEC Nationals in Sport and Exercise Science (2016/2017) qualifications
Qualifications not in scope will continue to use the existing assessment plan template. A full list can be found in Appendix A of the centre guide
BTEC Digital Assessment Plan Centre Guidance
Learn more about the Digital Assessment Plan
Training and Support
Join one of the interactive training sessions. The session will provide a clear and practical overview of the DAP, including its purpose and the benefits it brings to centres. Participants will explore which qualifications are in scope, learn how to access and navigate the DAP, and gain hands-on insight into key features of the centre dashboard through a guided walkthrough. As well as key deadlines and milestones to support effective planning and submission, alongside dedicated time to address common questions and signpost available support and resources.
Or, if you prefer informal support, why not drop in to one of the DAP Drop-In sesions for quick answers and share your feedback
Digital Assessment Plan training (1 hour)
Drop in - Digital Assessment Plan (30 mins)
Missed our face-to-face Quality Network events or would like a refresher? Join this condensed online session on Wednesday 9 September 3.45 -5.00pm, for the latest updates on qualification reforms and quality assurance for the 2026/27 academic year. Topics will include:
Level 2 and 3 Reforms – recent developments and available support for centres.
2026/27 Quality Assurance Cycle Updates – important information for BTEC Entry Level, Level 1 to 3 qualifications, BTEC Level 3 Nationals (AAQs) and BTEC Tech Awards.
Suitable for UK centres delivering BTEC Entry Level, Level 1 to 3 qualifications and BTEC Tech Awards (2022).
Register on the session - Wednesday 9 September 3.45- 5.00pm
We are offering support sesions for teachers to deliver the GCSE PE, GCE PE and/or BTEC Tech Award in Sport (2022) specifications. These sessions will identfiy key observations related to candidate performance highlighted in the examiner/moderator reports and provide strategies to help with the planning for the year ahead.
| Qualification | Title | Date | Time | book |
| GCSE PE | Feedback on the Summer 2026 series | 21 September | 16.00 - 17.30 | book |
| GCE PE | Feedback on the Summer 2026 series | 28 September | 16.00 - 17.30 | book |
| GCSE PE | New to Pearson | 14 October | 16.00 - 17.30 | book |
| GCE PE | New to Pearson | 8 October | 16.00 - 17.30 | book |
| BTEC Tech Award in Sport (2022) | Feedback on Component 1 | 29 September | 13.00 - 13.45 | book |
| BTEC Tech Award in Sport (2022) | Feedback on Component 2 | 1 October | 10.00 - 10.45 | book |
| BTEC Tech Award in Sport (2022) | Feedback on Component 3 | 7 October | 15.00 - 15.45 | book |
Centre Standardisation Materials (CSMs) are available for internally assessed units. These provide examples of learner work alongside the completed documentation required for assessment. They are a valuable resource for standardising assessment decisions and supporting assessor training within your centre.
This year, we have new CSMs for the below units.
BTEC Nationals in Sport (2016) - Unit 4
BTEC Nationals in Sport and Exercise Science - unit 14
BTEC Nationals in Sport Coaching and Development (2019) - unit E
Access these in the links below:
BTEC Nationals in Sport (2016) CSMs
BTEC Nationals in Sport and Execise Science CSMs
BTEC Nationals in Sport Coaching and Development (2019) CSMs
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.
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
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 |
|---|---|
| 14 August 2026 | Restricted release of results to centres |
| 18 August 2026 | Examiners reports released |
| 20 August 2026 | Release of results to learners |
| May/June Series | BTEC L3 Nationals |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| May - July 2026 | External Examination sampling - completed by 30 July |
| August 2026 | Students receive qualification |
Stay up to date with the latest news for BTEC qualifications.
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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