Other general qualifications consultation proposals

Ofqual and DfE consultation proposals for 2021 for 'other general qualifications'

The consultation currently underway from Ofqual and the DfE on alternative arrangements for awarding Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs) in 2021 also covers ‘other general qualifications’. These ‘other general qualifications’ in scope for the proposals are qualifications that received a calculated result in 2020 because they are most similar to GCSEs, AS and A Levels, and they support progression. For us, these include Core Maths, Entry Level, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Free Standing Maths Qualification (FSMQ).

The consultation proposes that other general qualifications used for progression:

  • Should be awarded in a similar way to GCSEs and A Levels i.e. with no external written exams this summer.
  • Internal assessment should continue to go ahead remotely, where relevant, for all learners where possible
  • Grades may be awarded on the basis of incomplete assessment evidence
  • For those qualifications most closely aligned to GCSEs and A Levels, we would permit awarding organisations to take similar approaches to appeals.

A key principle is that:

  • Adaptations must not, as far as possible, advantage or disadvantage students over their peers taking general qualifications such as GCSEs and A Levels.

Have your say 

The consultations have now closed and we'd like to thank all the teachers and other stakeholders who have given us their views on the consultation proposals and helped to inform our responses. We're expecting to hear the outcome of the consultations in the week beginning 22 February. 

We know you will have lots of unanswered questions about summer 2021 and we're continuing to work closely with the DfE, Ofqual and the other exam boards to give you the clarity you need. 

You can also read the summary of the GCSE, AS and A Level consultation proposals and VTQ consultation proposals.