November 2026 Public Services Subject Update | Pearson qualifications

November 2026 Protective Services Subject Update

Wed Nov 04 10:18:00 UTC 2026

Welcome to your Pearson BTEC Protective Services November 2026 subject update!

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Hello colleagues, 

As the term picks up pace, we’re here to help you stay ahead with our Protective Services Qualifications. This month’s update is packed with practical support and timely reminders to make your planning smoother and your teaching even more impactful.

Best wishes,

Jenna Wyatt
Subject Advisor 


BTEC Digital Assessment Plan

You must submit your Digital Assessment Plan for 2026 by 13 November 2026.

Qualifications in scope: 

Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Certificate in Public Services 
Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Public Services
Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Public Services
Public Services (Welsh) PEARSON BTEC LEVEL 1/LEVEL 2 FIRST AWARD - NQF 
Public Services (Welsh) PEARSON BTEC LEVEL 1/LEVEL 2 FIRST CERT  - NQF 
Public Services (Welsh) PEARSON BTEC LEVEL 1/LEVEL 2 FIRST EXT CERT  - NQF
Public Services (Welsh) PEARSON BTEC LEVEL 1/LEVEL 2 FIRST DIPLOMA  - NQF 

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.

Learn more about the Digital Assessment Plan 

Centre User Guide

Digital Assessment Plan Validations

Training and support 

Join an interactive training session to see how to access DAP through Edexcel Online, create and submit plans, and use key features - with time for questions.

Prefer informal support? Drop into one of our regular DAP Drop-In Sessions for quick answers and to share feedback. Both run throughout the rollout, so join whenever suits you. 

Helpful resources: 

Centre User Guide/FAQs/Quals in Scope 

Training sessions and Drop-in Sessions


 BTEC term-time checkpoint and key dates guide 

Stay on track with key BTEC dates, deadlines and milestones throughout the year. The guide also includes links to guidance, training, events and support resources to help you plan ahead and stay informed.

We recommend bookmarking the guide and sharing it with colleagues involved in qualification delivery.

BTEC termtime checkpoints and key dates guide 2026/27 

The BTEC Quality Assurance Year Planner sets out the key quality assurance activities that need to take place across the academic year and helps centres stay on track with Pearson's quality assurance requirements.

BTEC Quality Assurance Year Planner


Teaching and Learning materials 

We have updated the Assessment Record Template to better reflect the use of AI in assessments. Please ensure you are using the most up to date version of the form: 

External Assessment Authentication sheet

Upcoming Training 

The Vocational Quality Assurance Management (VQAM) team offer a comprehensive range of free development and networking events. They are designed to meet the needs of different centre types and support everyone involved with quality assurance. 

Take a look at upcoming training 

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Post-16 Reform 

Access the latest updates and funding guidance for post-16 vocational qualifications on our dedicated qualification reform page.

Help shape the future of post-16 vocational qualifications. Register your interest to join our feedback panel.

Become an examiner with us

Find out what it means to be a Pearson Assessment Associate, what the benefits are and how to apply at our free virtual webinar on Wednesday 18 November, 4-4:45pm (GMT). 

During the 45-minute event, we’ll cover: 

  • What to expect from the Assessment Associate role 
  • The benefits involved  
  • How to apply 
  • Answers to your questions in a live Q&A.

Take your first step towards becoming a Pearson Examiner. 

Register now 

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. 

Subject advisor

Jenna Wyatt

Public Services

Phone :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535 (Teaching Services team | Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm GMT)
Susan Currey
Call us :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535
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