The Department for Education (DfE) has updated its guidance on the reform of post-16 qualifications at Level 3 and below.  The update provides key dates and processes for the submission of cycle 2 Alternative Advanced Qualifications (AAQs) for first teaching in September 2026.   We recently launched OCR’s AAQs – our Cambridge Advanced Nationals – which will be OCR's qualifications in this space from September 2025.

So, what did we learn from the updated guidance?

1. Submission window: The DfE submission window for qualifications (AAQs) in cycle 2 of the reforms for first teaching in September 2026 is now 6 weeks earlier than expected with a confirmed deadline of 21 June 2024.
2. Mixed programmes: Clarification on mixed study programmes at Level 3 is now included. The DfE has said that schools and colleges may wish to design study programmes containing 1 A Level and two small AAQs where this would benefit students with lower prior attainment at Level 2 as well as students with protected characteristics.  This is a significant move away from the previous stance where only 1 AAQ was permitted alongside A Levels. 
3. Cycle 1 subjects: How AOs can submit qualifications from cycle 1 subjects in cycle 2 has been confirmed. 
4. Small AAQs: The range of subjects where small AAQs will be considered for funding has been clarified (see table 1 below).  The DfE has also explained what it means by the approval of small AAQs ‘by exception’ - the DfE will consider exceptional cases for small AAQs if they are in Sector Subject Areas where there is no A Level (see table 2 below).  In these cases, the Awarding Organisation will need to provide strong evidence as to the need for an AAQ making a clear case for progression to Higher Education and strong graduate outcomes.
5. Technical categories: The additional technical categories (Levels 2 and 3) which will be approved in cycle 2 of the reforms have been confirmed. 
6. Level 2: Additional information on cycle 2 qualifications at Level 2 that support progression to further study at Level 3 has been provided. These qualifications will be approved for first teach in September 2026.

The updated DfE guidance also takes into account the Prime Minister’s longer-term ambitions for the introduction of the Advanced British Standard.

Table 1

Subjects where small AAQs will be considered for funding (as at 9 November 2023)

Table 2

DfE-identified Sector Subject Areas without A Levels where Awarding Organisations can submit small AAQs for funding consideration by exception in Cycle 1 or Cycle 2 (as at 9 November 2023)