Ofqual announcement for awarding vocational and technical qualifications in 2021

The continuing pandemic has led to some exams and assessments being cancelled in 2021.

On the 25 February, the government announced the policy and scope of awarding vocational and technical qualifications in 2021.

It was confirmed that:

• Alternative arrangements to written exams (similar to those being proposed for GCSEs, AS and A levels) are needed for those VTQs and other general qualifications most like GCSEs, AS and A levels. Many of these were subject to calculated results last summer, and it is likely that some form of teacher assessment will be most appropriate.
• Assessments for on-demand qualifications, such as Functional Skills or ESOL Skills for Life, can go ahead if in line with PHE guidance. Where learners are unable to access FSQ assessments, an alternative method of awarding these qualifications is needed to ensure these learners can progress
• Where qualifications are used to demonstrate occupational or professional competency or proficiency or to gain a licence to practise are necessary, then these assessments for these qualifications should continue when this is possible, subject to PHE guidance. 

FSQs, ESOL Skills for Life and other qualification taken ‘on demand’

For qualifications that are taken on demand, such as Functional Skills and ESOL Skills for Life, there are three ways that learners will be able to access an assessment:

1: Assessments can continue to take place, in a college, training provider, school, employer premises, or alternative location, where it is safe for them to do so in line with public health guidance.

2: Assessments can be taken online in a wider range of venues, including at home.

3. Where neither of these options is possible, and learners need a result to progress, then a teacher assessed grade may be used.

If none of these options are possible, the assessment may be delayed or the learners moved to a different AO.

For more information please read: An article from Chief Regulator, Simon Lebus, explaining the arrangements for 2021.