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Department for Education Review of Qualifications Reform at Level 3 in England

Colourful artwork depicting secret gardens of the mind
  • Written byRuben Hale
  • Published date 13 December 2024
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Colourful artwork depicting secret gardens of the mind
The Secret Gardens of The Mind, Indra Moroder Valecha, 2022 MA Fine Art, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: Indra Moroder Valecha

This announcement affects centres in England only.

Department for Education (DfE) have announced to Level 3 qualifications. We are delighted to confirm that existing UAL Awarding Body qualifications continue to be unaffected, but in addition will be funded until at least 2027. This is a significant improvement on the year-to-year process which was in place.

We are pleased that the Government have listened to us and to stakeholders across the sector who have argued for a change in approach. The new emphasis is on an important continuing role for alternatives to A Levels and T Levels. This includes more flexibility on content overlap and rules of combination. UAL Awarding Body qualifications were not in line for defunding in favour of T Levels and this remains the case.

This confirms that our current portfolio remains fully funded and available. We also have a complete suite of Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) ready should that option become preferable. DfE will share more detail about how we can submit new qualifications for approval in Spring 2025.

We will be running an online briefing session open to all UAL Awarding Body approved centres at 3pm on 29 January. Please .

It is extremely positive that the value of Level 3 qualifications, including those offered by UAL Awarding Body, has been recognised. They serve an essential purpose in ensuring all learners can access opportunity and progress to higher education or employment. Over the coming months, we will be listening to you and ensuring a full range of flexible creative qualifications remain available for many years to come.

Please check our news feeds for any developments over the next month. We will be updating our Qualification Reforms web page in the new year as new information becomes available. The DfE also have an  for any queries.