The Department for Education (DfE) has now published the outcome of their review of post-16 qualification reform. The review was set up to determine which qualifications will be funded for 16-19 learners in England for the 2025/26 academic year. 

OCR welcomes the decision to continue the funding of medium and large vocational qualifications (such as Cambridge Technicals), as well as the introduction of the AAQs (Cambridge Advanced Nationals) as smaller sized qualifications for first teach in 2025.

Jill Duffy, CEO of OCR said: “We know how important it is that schools, colleges, students and parents have clarity, so we welcome the outcome of this review. We want to make sure students and teachers have all the information they need to understand what this review means for their qualifications, and to make the right decisions for their future. We will be in touch very soon to provide this guidance and explain what this outcome means for them.

“Schools, colleges and students are best placed to decide the right combination of qualifications they take, and we’re very pleased that this announcement gives them the ability to do this, providing much needed flexibility for their journey towards higher learning, employment and training.” 

The DFE has provided comprehensive guidance on the outcome of the review.  Our level 3 qualifications page sets out at a glance the funding status for OCR’s level 3 vocational qualifications, and we will provide a further summary of available information and impact on specific OCR qualifications soon.