In March 2019, the Department for Education (DfE) announced a review of post-16 vocational qualifications at level 3 and below in England. The proposal put forward by the DfE is to withdraw funding from 1 August 2020, for new registrations onto qualifications which the DfE considers to meet its criteria of “pre-existing” qualifications.
UAL Awarding Body is pleased to be fully engaged with the DfE reform agenda. We are keen to help DfE ensure there is a robust, respected and reliable qualifications landscape for the next generation of post-16 learners.
The statement linked below summarises our response to the consultation and why we believe that UAL Awarding Body will continue to deliver excellent outcomes for students.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions, which summarise some of the key points. However, we recommend that you read the full report in order to understand UAL Awarding Body’s response to the consultation.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss these developments in more detail please contact us at comms.awarding@arts.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Does this consultation cover all awarding organisations?
Yes, the review covers all awarding organisations.
Does this review affect Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
No, the review covers England only.
Will UAL Awarding Body’s qualifications still be funded?
All of UAL Awarding Body’s Level 1 and 2 qualifications will be funded until at least 2023.
Funding for the below UAL Awarding Body Level 3 qualifications is secure until at least 2023:
Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail
Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production
Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
DfE has announced it will remove funding for some “pre-existing” qualifications from August 2020. DfE is currently considering whether the following UAL Awarding Body Level 3 Art and Design qualifications fall under this category:
Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design (QANs 600/2827/0 and 600/2826/9). These qualifications are externally moderated and do not contain external assessment.
Level 3 Applied General Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design (QANs 603/1457/6 and 603/1459/X). These qualifications contain external assessment and are on DfE Performance Tables.
When will I know which UAL Awarding Body Level 3 Art and Design qualification will be withdrawn and when?
UAL Awarding Body have submitted a strongly evidenced submission that the two Art and Design qualifications listed above are distinct qualifications and now await the DfE’s response, due this summer. We will communicate the result of our response through our newsletter. The final findings of this multi-stage consultation process are due in Spring 2020, when we expect further guidance from DfE on the types of qualifications and assessment models it will encourage beyond 2023.
What happens if my centre has to migrate to the new externally assessed Level 3 Art and Design qualification?
UAL Awarding Body will support centres fully in migrating to the new externally assessed Level 3 Art and Design qualifications which meet DfE Performance Tables requirements.
What happens if I already have students enrolled/registered on a qualification for which funding will be removed in August 2020?
Students already enrolled on these qualifications prior to August 2020 will be fully funded through to completion. We will communicate any further details as they become available from DfE and ESFA.