Our new qualification in health and social care is built for the learners who need it most
We're standing by the social care sector
Introducing the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Social Care (Diploma) - launching August 2026
We believe every learner deserves a pathway to progress. Recent qualification reforms have reshaped the available routes into health and social care, leaving some learners without a clear next step.
In Skills England’s recent publication Assessment of Priority Skills to 2030, adult social care is highlighted as containing some of the most in-demand occupations, and the sector with the greatest need for Level 2 and 3 qualifications.
That’s why we’re standing by the social care sector and proud to announce the approval of NCFE’s brand-new Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Social Care (Diploma), designed primarily for 16–19 study programmes. This new TOQ provides a meaningful and supported pathway into one of the UK’s most essential sectors.
NCFE is the only awarding body with qualifications approved in this area through the reforms, demonstrating our commitment to social care and ensuring learners have a clear, supported pathway into one of the UK’s most vital sectors.
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Supporting a seamless transition
Coinciding with the launch of this new qualification all existing large level 3 qualifications in health and social will be defunded. This includes:
- NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (60161103)
- NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (60184358)
- OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Health and Social Care (60170621)
- OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (60303815)
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care (60171947)
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (60171984)
This means that from the academic year 2026/27, there will be two approved large level 3 qualifications in this sector: The Health T Level and our new diploma.
Everything you need to know about our new Level 3 Technical Occupation Entry in Social Care (Diploma)
☑ Equivalent to 3 A levels. Designed for 16–19 study programmes with 1080 guided learning hours, it is the natural successor to our current Extended Diplomas in Health and Social Care (601/6110/3 and 601/8435/8).
☑ An inclusive alternative to T Levels. The TOQ offers a more accessible, inclusive alternative that’s just as credible and far more flexible, sitting alongside the Health T Level to cater to a wider range of learners. (E.G. Distinction = 144, Distinction* = 168)
☑ Created with employers for the real world. Built around employer-led occupational standards, meaning it’s shaped by what the care sector needs.
☑ Recognised by universities to support progression. With a significant number of UCAS points, it provides access to social work and adult nursing degrees, while also preparing learners for direct entry into the health and social care workforce.
☑ Multiple funding routes available. Eligible for 16 to 19 Level 3 Legal Entitlement, Advanced Learner Loans and Free Courses for Jobs from August 2026.
☑ Designed for delivery with low admin burden. No external assessment gives you greater flexibility and autonomy to personalise delivery for your learners.
☑ Manageable placement expectations. Shape work-based learning around your learners and local industry partnerships.
Current NCFE centres
If you're already delivering NCFE’s Health and Social Care qualifications, the TOQ is a natural continuation. We’ll help you embed it into your curriculum with confidence.
Centres looking for a new route
If changes with your current awarding organisation have left your learners without a clear progression option through Health and social care, we’re here to support the switch.