Science
August 2023 Teaching Science BTEC update
Welcome to the August Teaching Science update for BTEC Science teachers where information and guidance related to Summer 2023 results can be found.
We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in schools and colleges for all your hard work in supporting your learners and helping to make sure they achieve the grades they deserve this summer.
Results dates
Summer 2023 student results dates can be found in the tables below.
| Qualification | Date results released to centres under embargo | Date results released to students |
|---|---|---|
| BTEC Level 3 Nationals | 9 August 2023 | 17 August 2023 |
| BTEC Level 1/2 Firsts | 16 August 2023 | 24 August 2023 |
If any of your learners have not received a result and they are expecting one, you should contact us immediately through the Pearson support portal or on 0344 463 2535.
Edexcel Online and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Hopefully most Edexcel Online (EOL) users have successfully gone through the MFA process over June and July. If you have not, and are experiencing problems using our EOL related systems, then please refer to the update below where you can find guidance and trouble shooting steps to help you resolve any issues.
Results support and guidance
Following the release of results to your students, if you require information to do with post results services, access to scripts, where to find grade boundaries, and other information related to results, please refer to the Getting Ready for Results update below.
We also have general non-subject specific Results page for teachers and Exams Officers that you can also refer to.
Our Summer 2023 support landing page also has lots of useful information.
Understanding your BTEC results
Ofqual set out their plans for awarding qualifications in 2023 and to return to a normal, pre-pandemic approach to grading this summer for A levels, AS levels and GCSEs, as well as for vocational qualifications. You can read Ofqual’s blog on vocational and technical grading in 2023. Our guiding principle and approach to awarding BTEC qualification results in 2023 is to return to pre-pandemic performance standards, but with checks and balances that allow us to be sensitive to the disruption learners have faced, just as for A levels and GCSEs. We aim to ensure learners are not advantaged or disadvantaged, as far as possible, compared to those studying for GCSEs and A levels.
You can read more about our approach to awarding, and how grade boundaries are set in our centre guide to BTEC results.
If you receive any queries from learners about how BTECs are awarded, you can share with them the learner guide to BTEC results.
We also know that over the last few years, more learners are now completing the RQF BTEC nationals, and centres have transitioned over from the legacy QCF. This means results distributions are not comparable to 2019. You can read our pdf guide on 'understanding BTEC results' below for more information.
Understanding RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals results
Post-results and appeals
Although we are releasing results earlier this year, you will only be able to submit post-results requests on the official learner results day. This is because you need written learner consent before submitting a post results request, as grades can go up, down or stay the same.
Read our guide to post-results services
If you are not happy with the outcome of a post-results service, you may look to appeal. You can find out more about appeals on our website, and access our BTEC appeals decision tree document below.
Subject advisor
Irine Muhiuddin
Science
Subject updates
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April 2026 Teaching Science update
Welcome to the April Teaching Science Update.
This update includes key dates for Head Teacher declaration forms, the A level Biology A pre-release article for summer exams, training events such as a BTEC briefing on Level 2 and Level 3 reforms in England, Paper 3 preparation networks for A level Chemistry and Physics, new A level Physics switching guides for Pearson Edexcel, and other qualifications news to keep you informed.
Best wishes,
Irine Muhiuddin
Science Subject Advisor
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International Science Qualification News April 2026
Hello colleagues,
Welcome to your April update for teachers of International Science qualifications! This update has information on the scientific article for IAL biology, an invitation to take part in research for IAL biology and chemistry teachers, news of support for centres affected by the conflict in the Middle East, a UCAS consultation which may be of interest to those in the UK, and recordings of recent 'preparing for our exams' training!
As ever, don't hesitate to get in touch if I can help in any way - why not book a Teams call with me (follow the link below) if it would be helpful to talk something over?
Best wishes,
Tim Lawrence
Pearson Edexcel Subject Advisor for International Science Qualifications