
	6th form schools home
	Using qualifications and awards

	Approved qualifications meeting entitlement requirements
	Choosing GCE or VCE qualifications
	Recognising achievement in work-related learning
	Using a range of language qualifications
	Using advanced extension awards (AEAs)
	Using alternatives to GNVQs
	Using AS in critical thinking
	Using ASDAN qualifications
	Using BTECs
	Using Free Standing Maths Qualifications and AS Use of Mathematics
	Using further mathematics
	Using GCSE in expressive arts
	Using GCSEs in vocational subjects within the key stage 4 curriculum
	Using key skills qualifications
	Using the new GCEs, successors to VCEs
	Using qualifications in skills for working life

	Print this page

Using qualifications and awards


		11-16 schools

		6th form schools

		Colleges

Implementing the new, more flexible 14-19 curriculum will mean using a wider range of qualifications flexibly across the phase. This section of the website will expand to support that development by discussing qualifications and illustrating their use within school and college curricula and student programmes.

Qualifications approved for use with pre-16 learners are listed as such on the Section 96 list, available via the link below.

The range of approved qualifications is wider than is sometimes assumed. For example: entry level qualifications are now available at three levels and in vocational as well as general subjects; BTEC qualifications have been redesigned and are available at four levels and in a range of sizes; several awarding bodies offer language qualifications that are alternatives to GCSE.

Ministers have stated their intention to develop performance measures to facilitate more flexible use of qualifications. From 2004, all approved qualifications have contributed to school performance measures at 16. This means that any disincentive to use qualifications other than GCSE/GNVQ has been removed and schools starting to use a wider range of vocational qualificatons. Recognition of AS and entry level qualifications at 16 will support use of appropriate levels for individuals, and weaken the link between age and qualification. The implications for progression will be significant.

Qualifications' contribution to the achievement and attainment tables can be found by searching for the qualification on the Openquals website, see below for link.

Case studies

> Choosing qualifications
> Developing a key stage 4 curriculum

QCA web links

> NDAQ (National Database of Accredited Qualifications