OpenConsultation consultationoutcome

Introducing new Criteria for Recognition

From:
Ofqual
Published
12 March 2026
Last updated
4 June 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Introducing new Criteria for Recognition: Analysis and decisions

Ref: Ofqual/26/7336

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Detail of outcome

Ofqual has decided to introduce the new Criteria for Recognition for V Level, Foundation Certificate and Occupational Certificate subjects in tranche 1. Awarding organisations intending to develop qualifications for subjects in tranche 1 will be able to apply for recognition from 8 June 2026. Awarding organisations should carefully consider the new Criteria for Recognition that apply to these qualifications before making an application. 

We have decided to introduce the following Criteria unchanged from our original proposals:

  • Criterion A(V) Prior recognition
  • Criterion B(V) Expertise
  • Criterion D(V) Governance

We have decided to introduce the Criterion C(V) Systems and processes with a small amendment to Criterion C(V).2. 

Ofqual remains committed to reviewing the approach to recognition ahead of tranche 2. We will consider the approach after considering tranche 1 applications and the decisions we make in relation to the proposed new Qualification Level Conditions (QLCs) for V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates that Ofqual is currently consulting on. 

Ofqual will review the approach to recognition after tranche 1 applications and decisions have been made and consult on the approach to recognition for subsequent tranches in autumn 2026.

Original consultation

Summary

Ofqual ishas consultingconsulted on the introduction of new Criteria for Recognition to secure safe and timely delivery of 3 new types of qualification for post-16 students.

This consultation iswas being held on another website.

This consultation closesran atfrom
to

Consultation description

Ofqual ishas consultingconsulted on the introduction of new Criteria for Recognition to secure the safe and timely delivery of 3 new types of qualification for post-16 students that were announced following the government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR).

The proposed criteria allow Ofqual to ensure any awarding organisation that currently has the capabilities required to successfully deliver the first of these new qualifications, in September 2027, has the opportunity to do so. At the same time, awarding organisations that intend to deliver the new qualifications in the future can use the criteria to understand the capabilities they are likely to need in order to do so. We will review our approach to recognition and consult again in time for the second tranche of the new qualifications.

Documents

The introduction of new Criteria for Recognition

Ref: Ofqual/26/7307

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Updates to this page

Published 12 March 2026
Last updated 4 June 2026 href="#full-history">+ show all updates

  1. Added 'Introducing new Criteria for Recognition: Analysis and decisions' to the page.

  2. First published.

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