IT and Digital funding update - April 2021

Subject update | 29 April 2021

Removal of funding from ICT and digital qualifications at Entry and Level 1, for post-16 learners, from August 2021.

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The ESFA are removing funding for existing ICT and Digital qualifications at Entry Level and Level 1, for post-16 learners.

Read more information concerning this decision

Alternative qualifications

The DfE is reforming ICT and digital skills to ensure learners have access to high quality provision that will equip them with the skills they need for life and work. This includes Entry and Level 1 Essential Digital Skills (EDSQ), which Pearson launched in 2020. Plus, the reform of ICT Functional Skills that will commence this year to create Entry and Level 1 Digital Functional Skills, which we expect to be launched late summer 2022.

Learn more about Pearson EDSQ

We know that some of your learners may need to access to a broader range of ICT and digital and skills and we make suggestions below as to how these learners could be supported in the future. 

Qualifications identified for funding withdrawal Suggested replacement funded qualifications
50065701 Entry Level 3 Award for IT Users (ITQ) Entry Level 3 in Vocational Study Entry level Essential Digital Skills
50065713 Entry Level 3 Certificate for IT Users (ITQ) Entry Level 3 in Vocational Study Entry Level Essential Digital Skills
60185831 Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Information Technology Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies Level 1 Essential Digital Skills
6018582X Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Information Technology Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Vocational Studies Level 1 Essential Digital Skills
60350064 Level 1 Introductory Award in Information Technology Level 1 Introductory Award in Vocational Studies Level 1 Essential Digital Skills
50065683 Level 1 Certificate for IT Users (ITQ) Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Vocational Studies Level 1 Level 1 Essential Digital Skills
50065695 Level 1 Diploma for IT Users (ITQ) Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies Level 1 Level 1 Essential Digital Skills
50067059 Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ) Level 1 Introductory Award in Vocational Studies Level 1 Essential Digital Skills
60088655 Level 1 Award in Social Media Level 1 Introductory Award in Vocational Studies Level 1 Essential Digital Skills

Why Vocational Studies?

For centres unfamiliar with the vocational studies suite we would like to highlight the flexible approaches these provide.

Vocational Studies is a broad skills-based suite of qualifications. As we are focusing on the development of practical learning skills, the sector context for teaching, learning and assessment is flexible. This means that centres can adapt units that sit within specific sectors to meet the needs of their learners.

Art and Design | example

In Art and Design, we have a unit called creating a mood board. The purpose of this unit is for learners to present their ideas in a suitable format that is clear to their audience. the subject context can be adapted to any sector as it is the ideas and how they are conveyed that is being judged and assessed.

There are many other examples, such as the generic core units that ask learners to research a topic of interest or work in a team to achieve a goal - each of which can have an IT/digital focus.

 

Why Essential Digital Skills qualifications?

The Essential Digital Skills framework defines the digital skills adults need to safely benefit from, participate in and contribute to the digital world.

These qualifications are suitable for all ages and support the development of key digital skills such as using devices, creating and editing digital media, using technology to communicate, buying and transacting online, and how to stay safe and secure when using technology.

Essential Digital Skills qualifications (EDSQs) will be automatically funded for adults who don’t have the basic digital skills they need for life and work. Learners with no or low digital skills will benefit from accessing a fully funded and up-to-date qualification that reflects the evolving digital landscape.