Computer Science, ICT and Digital Skills
BTEC Nationals May Update
With summer exams approaching, revision and exam readiness are front of mind.
At the same time, reforms across general and vocational qualifications continue to take shape. This update focuses on practical support for the weeks ahead and our commitment to keeping you clearly informed as reform developments emerge.
Level 3 Reform (and Post 16 Level 2)
LEI Report Launch: Webinar
Unlocking the growth potential of Level 4 and 5 pathways
Are you engaged in post-16 skills and technical education and want to explore how higher technical qualifications at Levels 4 and 5 can play a stronger role in supporting progression, workforce capability and economic growth?
@Pearson are proud sponsors of the new research from the @Lifelong Education Institute (LEI) and would like to invite you to an interactive online event where the findings will be presented and discussed with key speakers.
Date: Wednesday 3 June 2026Time: 10-11.30am
BTEC National Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)
You can find the dates for all externally assessed units here:
Or use the new BTEC external assessment overview tool.
Try the BTEC External Assessment Tool
Internally assessed units continue to follow the quality assurance process for the AAQ suite and this starts with the submission of an assessment plan.
Next years provisional dates can be found in the links below.
Getting Started Events
These events will cover ways to Plan and Teach BTEC National AAQ in Computing and Information Technology. Links to recordings of these events can be found below.
Getting ready for Internal Assessment
These events are aimed at UK based teachers preparing to deliver the new BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
Preparing for External Assessment
These events are aimed at UK based teachers preparing to deliver the new BTEC Level 3 qualifications.
| Qualification |
Date | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | April 2026 | Recording |
| Computing | Mar 2026 | Coming Soon |
Frequently asked questions
We have created a FAQ document that will continue to be updated as we capture and answer more questions. This repository will be a valuable source of information and can be the first port of call whenever you are looking for guidance for AAQ IT Unit 3 or Unit 4 questions.
Information Technology
For Information Technology AAQ we have the 'Student Book', 'Student eBook' and 'Complete Package' are all available now
Computing
For Computing AAQ we have the 'Student Book', 'Student eBook' and 'Complete Package' are all available now
Help us make Pearson AAQ BTEC National paid resources work for you
Hearing from you helps us continue to develop and improve our BTEC resource so they meet your needs, so we’d really welcome your feedback. This survey should only take you 10-15 minutes to complete, and we want to hear from you whether you've bought our resources or chosen not to..
Information Technology AAQ
Planning and Teaching Guide, Unit guides and Transferrable Skills Framework and Transition guide.
Pearson Set Assignments for the two internally assessed units, 4 for Unit 3 and 3 for Unit 4
Computing AAQ
Planning and Teaching Guide, Unit guides and Transferrable Skills Framework and Transition Guide.
Pearson Set Assignments for the two internally assessed units, 4 for Unit 3 and 4 for Unit 4
BTEC Nationals (RQF)
The government has confirmed that no additional existing qualifications will have their funding removed in 2026/27. This means that the National Diploma (1080) and Extended Diploma (720) will remain funded in IT and Computing for the next academic year. A list of qualifications that will have their funding removed for academic year 2027/28 can be found below:
Qualifications due to have funding removed in 2027/2028
We’ve extended Information Technology and Computing Level 3 BTEC Nationals RQF in Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and for Independent Centres in England for registrations up to the 2028/29 academic year, with a final registration date of 31 July 2029. These extensions allow you to plan with confidence and make sure you have the provision needed for the coming years.
Read the Northern Ireland Update
Read the Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Independent Centres in England Update
You can find the dates for all externally assessed units here:
Or use the new BTEC external assessment overview tool.
Try the BTEC External Assessment Tool
Internally assessed units continue to follow the standard quality assurance process for the RQF suite and this starts with the submission of an assessment plan.
Next years provisional dates can be found in the links below.
Remember in England the September 2025 cohort represent the final registrations on these qualifications. They will remain funded through to certification which would normally be Summer 2027 for two year programs.
Qualification pages for these quals are shown below:
In Northern Ireland (NI) and Wales you can continue to offer the BTEC Nationals RQF at all sizes and we have some dedicated pages to help you find information and support as things change we will keep this page updated as developments occur.
Funding clarification is here:
BTEC Level 3 Funding Guide for 16-19 year olds in Wales
BTEC Level 3 Funding Guide for 16-19 year olds in Northern Ireland
Subject advisor
Tim Brady
Computer Science and ICT Subject Advisor
Subject updates
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T Level May Update
With summer exams approaching, revision and exam readiness are front of mind.
At the same time, reforms across general and vocational qualifications continue to take shape. This update focuses on practical support for the weeks ahead and our commitment to keeping you clearly informed as reform developments emerge.