Ofqual is seeking views on its proposed approach to
regulating qualifications to sit alongside A levels and T levels
at level 3 in a consultation published today. This
consultation sets out proposals to regulate these qualifications
so that students can be confident their qualifications are high
quality.
Ofqual regulates on behalf of students of all ages and
apprentices. It is important that students can access
high-quality qualifications and assessments. Employers and other
users need to be able to recognise the quality and relevance of
these qualifications.
We are keen to hear from awarding organisations, colleges,
schools, and training providers, as well as from employers,
students and anyone with an interest in these qualifications, on
our proposals, which include:
- the grading of qualifications
- the assessment of qualifications
- the titles of qualifications
In July 2021 the Department for Education
published its plans to reform post-16 qualifications in
England. This followed a consultation that set out its
proposals to make sure the qualifications approved for use
alongside A levels and T Levels are of high quality and are
relevant.
High-quality qualifications and assessments are designed and
delivered in a way that enables those taking them to demonstrate
fully their knowledge, skills and understanding, with a clear
purpose, and are designed so that their content and assessments
reflect that purpose.
Ofqual has worked closely with the Department for Education and
the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the
Institute) to develop this proposed approach to regulating these
qualifications. For alternative technical qualifications, the
Institute will be responsible for approvals and will consult on
its criteria and requirements for approval later this year.
The consultation will open today, Thursday 24 February, and will
run for eight weeks, ending on Wednesday 20 April at 23.45.
The proposed regulatory approach is based on Ofqual’s General
Conditions of Recognition, with extra requirements for both
academic and technical alternative qualifications.
The Department for Education recently updated its
guidance on the approvals process for academic and technical
qualifications at level 3.
