Regulating level 2 and below qualifications supporting progression to higher levels of study

Overview

Ofqual is the independent regulator for qualifications in England. Ofqual’s statutory objectives include securing the standards of, and promoting public confidence in, regulated qualifications. Ofqual’s rules, which awarding organisations must follow, are designed to achieve this. Ofqual monitors their approaches to make sure they are meeting the rules and takes action if they are not. Ofqual’s regulation seeks to:

• ensure quality and fairness for students and apprentices
• promote clarity, effectiveness and efficiency in the qualifications market
• contribute to shaping the future of assessment and qualifications

In 2019, the Department for Education (DfE) set out its ambition for a streamlined post-16 qualification system at level 3 and below, where all qualifications are high quality, necessary, have a distinct purpose, and lead to good outcomes for students. The first qualifications considered were those at level 3, and Ofqual published its regulatory arrangements for the level 3 qualifications in scope of the review on 10 January 2023.

In October 2022, DfE published the government’s response to its consultation on the ‘Review of post-16 qualifications at level 2 and below in England’. The response sets out DfE’s intentions for the future qualifications landscape at level 2 and below in England. It confirms the groups of qualifications that will be considered for public funding in the future grouped by level, purpose, and intended destination. The review of qualifications at level 2 and below will span several years, with DfE taking a phased approach to the first teaching of reformed qualifications from 2025 to 2027.

Ofqual launched 2 consultations on the level 2 and below qualifications review in January 2023 covering:

• the proposed regulatory approach for level 1 and 2 qualifications leading to employment
• the proposed regulatory approach for level 2 qualifications supporting progression to T Levels

This consultation covers 4 groups of qualifications that are intended to support progression to higher levels of study, these are:

• Level 2 qualifications supporting progression to level 3 technical qualifications that are not delivered as part of a T Level programme
• Level 2 qualifications supporting progression to level 3 alternative academic qualifications
• Level 1 pre-technical qualifications supporting progression to higher level technical qualifications
• Entry level qualifications supporting progression to level 1 pre-technical qualifications

The aim of this consultation is to provide an opportunity for interested groups to comment on the way in which Ofqual proposes to regulate these qualifications. Following this consultation, Ofqual will consult on the draft Conditions and requirements that will be used to implement the final regulatory approach in August 2023. This timescale will allow awarding organisations to develop qualifications, and schools, colleges and other providers to familiarise themselves with them, ahead of teaching the first reformed qualifications. The first teach dates for level 2 qualifications supporting progression to higher levels of study is September 2026. The first teach date for level 1 and entry level qualifications supporting progression to higher levels of study is 2027.

If you have an interest in entry level, level 1, and level 2 qualifications supporting progression to higher levels of study, please let Ofqual know your thoughts on the proposals set out here by responding to this consultation.