Covid-19 response for 2020-21

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]