Covid-19 response for 2020-21
Working together to support learner success
These pages are designed to provide you with the key information on alternative arrangements for awarding 2020-21, as we work together to support learner success for 2021.
On 25 February, Ofqual published the outcome to its consultation on ‘Alternative Arrangements for the Award of VTQs and other General Qualifications in 2021’ and on 24 March published the outcome of its further consultation on VTQ Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF). We’re committed to keeping you at the forefront of all developments and with this in mind, we have released an updated version of our approach to awarding for 2020-21 document in response to these consultations. The document contains clear guidance on Teacher Assessed Grades and evidence, QA arrangements, qualification categorisation, results and post-results information and more. All new information is highlighted throughout the document to help you easily find anything that has been updated. Please use this guidance to help you start preparing from today, in terms of gathering the evidence that you need for your learners.
As well as downloading our approach to awarding for 2020-21 document, we’d recommend you use Ofqual’s qualification explainer tool to find out which qualifications can be awarded through a Teacher Assessed Grade, and access our frequently asked questions to support you with any queries. You can also use the menu below to take a look at our dedicated pages for our remote invigilation solution for Functional Skills, qualifications which can be awarded through a Teacher Assessed Grade / qualifications which can not be awarded through a Teacher Assessed Grade, our support package and much more.
Four principles have driven our response to the pandemic and have shaped the changes we have made to our qualifications, assessments and operational processes:
- Supporting learner progress
- Maintaining rigour and robustness
- Streamlining and supporting centres
- Working in partnership for the benefit of learners.
If you are a centre, you should find all the information you need using the menu below and within our approach to awarding for 2020-21 document.
If you are a learner, you can find further information here.
If you have any questions, simply call us on 0191 239 8000 or email [email protected]
If you’re not currently receiving our weekly Covid email updates, to ensure you are on our mailing list, please complete this form.
Our previous and upcoming webinars
As part of our support package to you, we are running an extended series of webinars to provide practical advice, examples and the opportunity to ask questions in advance to our expert team. You can sign up to upcoming webinars or catch up on our previous webinars here.
Quality Assurance (QA) Policy for Awarding for 2020-21
Our new QA policy can be found here, along with the Teacher Assessed Grade Strategy Form and guidance on how to complete this.
Media Contact
For all media enquiries, please contact Lindsay Plumpton, Communications and PR Manager, with your request and she’ll get back to you as soon as possible. You can reach Lindsay at [email protected]
Quick links
Read NCFE’s approach to awarding for 2020-21 including information on Teacher Assessed Grades
- Complete the Teacher Assessed Grade Strategy Form
- View updated adaptation addenda for individual qualifications on QualHub click here
Find out the key dates for your diary around Teacher Assessed Grades and results
Click here to watch our video on Ofqual qualification categories for Teacher Assessed Grades
Your most common queries with quick answers
- What are the key dates and timings for Teacher Assessed Grade submissions and results?
- How can I catch up on previous webinars?
- What support materials do you have to help us form a decision for a Teacher Assessed Grade?
- Where can I find the Quality Assurance Policy for Awarding for 2020-21?
NCFE’s approach to awarding for 2020-21
Take a look at our full approach to alternative arrangements this year. This includes our updated blueprint for adaptations as well as detailed information on Teacher Assessed Grades, quality assurance, results, appeals and more.
Ofqual’s qualification explainer tool
Access this interactive tool to see how specific qualifications will be assessed and awarded, including which qualifications can be awarded through a Teacher Assessed Grade. You can then access the relevant page below.
Our support for you
Read about the support package we have in place to guide you through the next few months, including extended opening hours, our FAQs, upcoming webinars and an overview of the guidance that is coming your way.
Qualifications which can not be awarded through a Teacher Assessed Grade
Read more about how we have categorised these qualifications, what this means, and the adaptations we have put in place to support your learners to achieve.
Qualifications which can be awarded through a Teacher Assessed Grade
Read more about our approach to assessment for these qualifications including further information on Teacher Assessed Grades.
Quality assurance of Teacher Assessed Grades
Take a look at our Quality Assurance Policy for Awarding for 2020-21, complete your centre’s Teacher Assessed Grade Strategy form and find out about EQA reviews.
End-point assessment
Discover how we’re supporting customers digitally to keep end-point assessment on track.
Subject specific information
Here you will find specific information on some of our most popular product areas including V Certs, T Levels and Functional Skills.
Anywhere, anytime assessment
Remote invigilation is now live and we can’t wait to have you on board!
Plans for assessments, February - August
Stay up to date with the latest advice on:
- external assessments in 2020-21 following the consultation outcome
- registering and withdrawing learners
- V Cert and CACHE external assessment bookings
- CACHE specific advice – adaptations for longitudinal study qualification components
- advice if you didn’t go ahead with January external assessments
- continuation of online on demand assessments
Resources to support successful remote learning
Information for parents, learners and educators to support remote learning and mental health as lockdown and remote learning continues.
Successful outcomes in the face of adversity
At NCFE, our vision is that every learner will achieve their full potential this year, regardless of the challenges ahead. So, we’re delighted to share some stories of wonderful learners who have succeeded against the odds and are now flourishing in the next stage of their lives – including working front line in our NHS.