Frameworks for awarding qualifications in 2021: consultation outcomes

Ofqual has published its rules for awarding GCSE, AS, A levels, and vocational and technical qualifications this academic year.

It follows two technical consultations earlier this month which sought views on proposed frameworks and associated guidance documents.

GCSE, AS and A level

Last month we published our decisions on how GCSE, AS and A level qualifications would be awarded this summer and followed this with a technical consultation on proposed rules.

At the same time, we also consulted on draft guidance for heads of centre and on information for centres about making objective judgements.

The consultation closed on 11 March and, having reviewed the 241 responses, we have today published the General Qualifications Alternative Awarding (GQAA) framework of conditions and requirements, largely as proposed in the consultation. Some small amendments have been made, which are outlined in our Technical Consultation Decisions GQAA document.

We have also published our analysis of this consultation and final versions of our guidance for heads of centre and information about making objective judgements.

Vocational and technical qualifications

A technical consultation on the detail of a new regulatory framework – the VTQ Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF) – was also published last month and closed on 11 March. This sought views on the detail of the VCRF and received 81 responses. After analysing all responses, we have decided to implement the proposed conditions, requirements and statutory guidance, although we have made some drafting changes to improve clarity. This is reflected in our decisions document and the VCRF published today.

We have also published a short technical consultation on a further proposed condition in the VCRF. This would put into effect our policy position on autumn assessment opportunities for learners who receive results in 2021 based on teacher assessed grades. This consultation is open until 7 April 2021.

Interim Chief Regulator Simon Lebus said:

I would like to thank everyone who responded to our January consultations and to our more recent technical consultations. The outcomes of our consultations now give us the mandate to establish the regulatory arrangements that will secure results for this academic year.

We have today published the framework for awarding GCSEs, AS and A levels, this summer. For vocational and technical qualifications, the framework and arrangements will enable awarding organisations to confirm to learners the details of how they will access their grade this academic year.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) will soon be providing more detailed guidance to schools and colleges on determining grades for GCSEs, AS and A levels, this summer.

To find out how a specific qualification will be awarded this year, learners and centres can visit our online 2021 Qualifications Explainer Tool and the awarding organisations’ website.