Arrangements for exams and other assessments for Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs) in 2021 to 22 have been confirmed. This follows a public consultation jointly led by the Department for Education and Ofqual.
The two-week VTQ consultation received 259 responses and the outcome of the consultation was published today.
The Department has confirmed that exams and other assessments should go ahead in 2021 to 22 but some adaptations will be allowed to account for any further pandemic-related disruption and to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on learning.
The Department has confirmed the permitted scope of adaptations for Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQs), T Levels and VTQs approved for inclusion in performance tables.
The Department has also confirmed proposals to make minor changes to their regulatory framework (the VCRF). These changes will mean that qualifications can no longer be awarded based on teacher-assessed grades, as some were this summer because of the pandemic.
All qualifications taken after 1 September will be awarded based on evidence from exams and other assessments.
Awarding organisations will be permitted to adapt their assessments and qualifications, to free up time for teaching, in case of any further disruption.
The Department and Ofqual will also work together to plan any contingency arrangements should the pandemic worsen in the future.
The complete consultation outcome and decisions documents are available on the consultation webpage.