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Always Learning
Always Learning



The future of vocational education | BTECs: the most widely approved qualifications on the new DfE list 

On 16 March 2012, the DfE published an updated version of their document Key Stage 4 performance tables: Inclusion of 14-16 qualifications from 2014. This confirms the additional non-GCSE qualifications that will count in school headline measures from 2014.
 
Edexcel and BTEC qualifications form the largest part of the list, accounting for 45 of the 81 qualifications confirmed as contributing to the key 'five A*-C' measures. However, we're surprised not to see some of our next generation BTEC First Awards on the list.  
 

expand What you will see on the list:

 Full list of Edexcel and BTEC-approved qualifications

 All of our Principal Learning qualifications – full list
   

  • BTEC First Awards in Applied Science (NQF)
  • BTEC First Award in Performing Arts (NQF)

We can confirm that these next generation BTEC First Awards are on the revised list. If headline measures are important to you, this now gives you a choice for your learners starting Year 10 in September 2012. You can either continue teaching the 2010 QCF specifications (Extended Certificate or Diploma), or start these learners on the next generation BTEC First Awards (NQF).
 
Following either option will ensure your students' achievements will be recognised in your school headline measures from 2014.

  • BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (NQF) (180glh)
  • BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Hospitality (QCF) (360glh)

Following their omission from the January 2012 list, we lodged an appeal for the status of these qualifications to be reconsidered in respect of their recognition in headline measures from 2014. We're pleased to confirm that our appeals have been successful and the following qualifications are now on the revised list (pending the development of a successor qualification which is in progress).
 

expand What you won’t see on the list:

  • BTEC First Award in Art and Design (NQF)
  • BTEC First Award in Business (NQF)
  • BTEC First Award in Engineering (NQF)
  • BTEC First Award in Health and Social Care (NQF)
  • BTEC First Award in Sport (NQF)

We've created an easy online guide to which BTECs will count towards headline measures. Covering both existing and next generation BTEC qualifications, the at-a-glance grid shows which BTEC qualifications and sizes will count towards headline performance measures in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  • BTEC Level 2 Firsts in Public Services and Landbased

No sizes of these qualifications will count in 2014 headline measures. These qualifications weren’t approved for the 2014 list. However, we are considering redeveloping these for future lists. They will still count in broader Performance Measures and carry the same value in achievement and progression terms for the individual learner who wants to study and progress in these vocational areas.
 
If headline measures are important, there may be alternative options available, such as moving across to a listed subject or considering alternatives, such as Principal Learning.

 Full list of the qualifications that we submitted that were unsuccessful at gaining approval for headline measures

 

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