Welcome to your Pearson BTEC Protective Services October 2026 subject update!
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
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
The Digital Assessment Plan (DAP) is live, giving centres a simpler way to plan assessments. Deadline for completion is 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
Just a reminder to access the Pearson-set Theme Release for 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027 on HN Global or below for Higher National Diploma and the Higher National Certificate in Public Services.
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.
You can find them below and on each webpage under Internal Assessment.
BTEC Firsts Public Services (2014)
BTEC Level 2 in Preparation for Public Services
BTEC Nationals | Uniformed Protective Services (2020)
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
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.
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:
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.
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.
