A new vocational qualification in sustainability is set to meet growing demand from students and employers for education and skills for the green economy.

OCR’s Level 3 Certificate in Sustainability, available to be taught from September 2025, is designed to be taken by post-16 students alongside A Levels and alternative academic qualifications (AAQs) and  will provide similar practical benefits to an Extended Project Qualification. 

It will demonstrate to employers and universities that a student has not only knowledge of sustainability fundamentals but practical experience in skills like data collection and project management. 

The qualification is a response to demand from students as well as employers for education that reflects the current and future challenges facing young people. Research has shown that education about climate change can reduce climate anxiety, by equipping young people with knowledge and skills to understand how they can take action. 

Developed with business

The qualification has been developed by OCR and Cambridge University Press & Assessment with support from organisations including the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF-UK) and Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and businesses including JLR and Siemens. 

The qualification will cover topics including sustainable practices, linear and circular  economies, and greenwashing. It will focus on the three inter-related areas of sustainability – environmental, economic and social – and relate to real-world contexts that students will be familiar with. It will prepare students for jobs in the environmental conservation sector, for higher education or Apprenticeship programmes related to this field, or degree programmes that   include sustainability modules.

"First of its type"

Jill Duffy, Chief Executive of OCR, said: “Knowledge and education are key to empowering young people to work towards a sustainable future, and can also help counter feelings of helplessness associated with eco-anxiety. 

“This is the first qualification of its type to provide a balanced understanding of the challenges faced to achieve a sustainable future. This is a qualification that works for young people and for businesses looking for climate-literate employees.”

Jon Turner, Head of Education and Families, WWF-UK said: “We know from our own work in schools and colleges that students deeply care about sustainability and caring for our planet, but they do need help and support to understand how this care and concern can translate into sustainable career opportunities. 

“This qualification provides the knowledge, skills and understanding that can support this journey.”  

Christine Ozden, Global Director of Climate Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “Climate change and sustainability education  is one of our most effective tools  in the fight against climate change, and this qualification recognises the importance of knowledge and skills for students to play their part in a practical way.

“Cambridge delivers climate education around the world, and we know that there is a significant demand among young people for knowledge and experience in addressing climate change.”  

Free webinars for teachers

The qualification will be assessed by an exam covering the fundamentals of sustainability and non-examined assessment requiring students to plan and undertake a sustainability research project, involving the collecting and analysis of data. 

The Certificate in Sustainability is a regulated qualification with UCAS tariff points. It is live on OCR’s website along with sample assessment materials, ready for first teach in September 2025. OCR will be hosting free webinars for teachers later this month to help them prepare for the qualification.