Ofqual: rolling update

Level 3 BTEC and Cambridge Technicals results

Our immediate priority has been to make sure that Pearson and OCR got results to students promptly, so they can progress. We have been monitoring the situation closely and have asked Pearson and OCR to give us regular updates so that we can be confident that they are swiftly issuing results.

Pearson and OCR have confirmed that they have identified all students who are dependent on their result for a higher education place. The awarding organisations have told us that results have been issued to these students, where they have been able to, or that they have informed schools and colleges why these students are not eligible to receive a result where that is the case. In a small number of cases, schools and colleges are working with awarding organisations to confirm the eligibility of some students to receive a result.

It is important that, as regulator, we review what has happened to make sure that students in future years receive results when they expect them, so they can progress in their education, apprenticeship or employment. We will continue to work across the sector, in addition to using our regulatory relationship with awarding organisations, to this end.

Colleges and schools should contact awarding organisations, and students should contact their college or school.

For updates and help with BTEC qualification results, contact Pearson on 0345 618 0440 or via @PearsonBTEC on social media, or visit Results Day 2022 FAQs.

For updates and help with Cambridge Technicals qualification results, visit the Cambridge Technicals update website or contact support@ocr.org.uk.

Vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) come in different shapes and sizes. They are flexible by design, so students can sit individual modules when they are ready, and they can get their results at different times of the year when they have completed the required number of units. These flexibilities are valued by students, employers and schools and colleges. This does mean awards are more complex, and particularly so this year, due to the arrangements put in place to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. This does not, of course, excuse delays where students were expecting to receive results.

Level 1/2 and Level 2 vocational and technical qualification results

Results for BTEC First, Technicals and Tech Award Qualifications, and Cambridge Nationals are issued throughout the year. More than 350,000 results have been awarded for Level 1/2 and Level 2 vocational qualifications since March 2022.

Many students have received results for Level 1/2 and Level 2 qualifications this week, to enable them to progress to further study, apprenticeships and work. These results are normally issued on, or before, 25 August.

Students should talk to their college or school if they have any queries about their results.

For updates on BTEC Firsts, Technical and Tech awards, visit Pearson’s FAQs. For updates on Cambridge Nationals, visit OCR’s website.

Ofqual’s helpdesk opening hours are below.

Exam results 2022

Once you’ve received your results you might be looking for some guidance about what to do next. The Exam Results Helpline from the National Careers Service can talk to you about resits, qualification and subject choices, apprenticeship and careers advice, and gap years.

For any questions you have about university admissions or higher education courses, you should contact the university or college directly. You can also contact UCAS for more information.

Unhappy with your exam results

If you’re not happy with your exam results in some subjects, you have the options to appeal your results or retake your exams in those subjects. Your school or college will be able to tell you about the process for both of these.

Ofqual helpdesk opening hours

Our phone lines are open longer on some days during results weeks, and at the weekends.

Anxiety and mental health support

We understand that this has been a difficult time for students and you have shown great resilience in the face of the challenges presented by the pandemic. Always make sure you speak to somebody if you are feeling anxious or struggling with your mental health. This might be a parent, carer or someone else you trust.

You can also contact:

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Mind
• Young Minds
• NHS 111 – they can assist in providing the mental health support you may need

Subject content and assessment arrangements: 2022 to 2023

Ofqual and the Department for Education have confirmed the arrangements for subject content in GCSEs, AS and A levels and non-exam assessment in qualifications taking place in the academic year 2022 to 2023.

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