GovWire

Once an academic qualification (such as an AAQ), other non-technical qualification or technical qualification has been approved for funding, we may review a funding approval status of a qualification, for example if:

• you update an existing qualification
• there is a change to your scope of recognition
• new T Levels or T Level occupational specialisms are introduced
• there is new evidence which means the qualification no longer meets the funding approval criteria
• there is a change in policy
• IfATE revises occupational standards

We will review changes with Ofqual and IfATE where appropriate. We are working with IfATE and Ofqual on developing a joined-up process for reviewing changes and informing you of the outcomes.

Where there are changes to an assessment strategy for a qualification, you must also promptly notify Ofqual of the change in line with the relevant qualification level conditions.

Once a qualification is approved for funding we reserve the right to suspend funding approval if we have concerns about the qualification meeting the funding approval criteria. We also reserve the right to take action once a qualification is approved if we have evidence from third parties concerning the efficacy of the qualification or the organisation offering it.

Updating an approved qualification

Once a qualification is approved for funding we understand that in some circumstances you may need to make changes to the qualification. Not all changes will mean that the qualifications approval (including funding approval) will change, but certain changes will.

Changes you do not need to inform us of

You do not need to inform us of minor changes to the existing qualification. However, ensure you update Ofquals Register of Regulated Qualifications where this is appropriate.

Minor changes that you do not need to inform us of are:

• spelling or grammatical corrections in the qualification title or qualification materials
• adding additional clarification to the qualification materials which does not change the meaning or interpretation of the qualification, for example further exemplification of content which does not change the assessment or delivery

Changes you need to inform us of

Some changes to an existing qualification will be more substantial as they change the meaning and interpretation or delivery of the qualification. These types of changes also may mean you need to develop a new qualification with a new qualification number. Examples of such changes include but are not limited to:

• changes to the qualifications purpose
• structural changes to the content being covered, for example new topics added or removed from the specification
• revisions to assessment strategy
• changes that impact the mapping or alignment of the qualification and assessment materials to IfATE occupational standards
• changes to the qualification title that are more than correcting typos or adding punctuation
• changes to the number of assessments from that previously described in the specification
• changes to the controls on assessment tasks
• changes in grade scale
• the qualification is no longer available for delivery in England
• changes in GLH or total qualification time
• changes in sector subject area

Where major changes occur you must inform us of the changes made to the qualification. This is so that we can review the changes and ensure this does not impact the approval of the qualification (including the funding approval).

Where the change is to an:

• approved technical qualification, you must inform IfATE of the changes
• approved academic qualification, you must inform DfE of the changes

Ensure that the information that you provide about changes and the information about your qualification on Ofquals register is accurate. This may impact the funding approval or funding rate of a qualification.

Changes to your assessment strategy

Ofqual requires awarding organisations to keep their assessment strategy under review. If the changes you made include a revision to your assessment strategy you must promptly notify Ofqual.

Further information is available in Ofquals Level 3 alternative academic qualifications and technical occupation qualifications qualification level conditions.

Notification and approval process

We are developing a joined-up, streamlined process with IfATE and Ofqual to communicate, review and respond to changes you make to qualifications after they have been approved for funding. We will share more on this in due course.

Changes that may impact funding

Major changes to a qualification may also change the qualifications SSA and GLH. These changes may also impact the funding rate and programme cost weighting set by the ESFA for qualifications funded through for 16 to 19 and the Skills Fund or through advanced learner loans.

We will provide further information on how changes that impact funding and programme cost weightings will be reviewed.

Withdrawing a qualification

Qualifications will be approved for funding up to 31 July 2028. If you withdraw a qualification before this date we will use the operational end date that you set for the qualification on Ofquals Register of Regulated Qualifications to reduce the funding approval end date.

Where you withdraw a qualification and replace it with a new qualification with a new qualification number you must submit the new qualification to be considered as part of the funding approval process.

Changes in response to revisions to occupational standards and T Levels

You may need to revise your qualification in response to revisions to occupational standards or changes to T Levels. These changes may mean that we need to review the qualifications approval (including funding approval) status.

Where occupational standards are revised IfATE will provide further information on whether you need to submit your qualifications for re-approval. Further information on this is available.