Ofqual
Key headlines for quarter 1 of 2024 (January to March)
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In quarter 1 of 2024 a total of 948,675 certificates were issued for vocational and other qualifications, an increase of 2.6% from quarter 1 of 2023 (924,660 certificates).The number of certificates issued in the 12 months from April 2023 to March 2024 (5.1 million) increased by 2.4% from the previous 12 months from April 2022 to March 2023 (5.0 million).
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Among qualification types, the largest absolute increase in the number of certificates issued in quarter 1 of 2024 compared with quarter 1 of 2023 was seen for Performing Arts Graded Examinations (from 116,290 certificates in quarter 1 of 2023 to 136,965 certificates in quarter 1 of 2024, an increase of 17.8%).The largest absolute decrease in certificate numbers was seen for Vocationally-Related Qualifications (from 320,850 certificates in quarter 1 of 2023 to 307,635 certificates in quarter 1 of 2024, a decrease of 4.1%).
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Most qualification levels saw an increase in the number of certificates issued compared with quarter 1 of 2023.The largest absolute increase in certificate numbers was seen for Entry Level qualifications (from 110,920 certificates in quarter 1 of 2023 to 136,645 certificates in quarter 1 of 2024, an increase of 23.2%).The largest absolute decrease in certificate numbers was seen for Level 2 qualifications (from 309,600 certificates in quarter 1 of 2023 to 295,995 certificates in quarter 1 of 2024, a decrease of 4.4%).
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A majority of sector subject areas saw an increase in the number of certificates issued compared with quarter 1 of 2023.The largest absolute increase was seen for Arts, Media and Publishing (from 121,090 certificates in quarter 1 of 2023 to 140,895 certificates in quarter 1 of 2024, an increase of 16.4%).The largest absolute decrease in the number of certificates issued was seen for Health, Public Services and Care (from 306,240 certificates in quarter 1 of 2023 to 298,330 certificates in quarter 1 of 2024, a decrease of 2.6%).
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The top 3 qualifications with the highest numbers of certificates issued in quarter 1 of 2024 were Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) with 31,810 certificates, followed by FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work with 27,380 certificates and TCL Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International Speaking and Listening (Entry 3) (GESE Grade 5) (B1.1) with 26,295 certificates.
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The top 3 awarding organisations with the highest numbers of certificates issued in quarter 1 of 2024 were City & Guilds with 100,285 certificates, followed by Highfield with 82,165 certificates and Trinity College London with 69,915 certificates.
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The top 3 awarding organisations with the highest numbers of certificates issued in the 12 months from April 2023 to March 2024 were Pearson with 719,420 certificates, followed by City & Guilds with 545,745 certificates and NCFE with 333,310 certificates.These 3 awarding organisations had also issued the highest number of certificates in April 2022 to March 2023 in the same order.
Context
In 2023, the number of certificates issued in each quarter may follow a different pattern than in previous years.This is due to the implementation of the Action Plan for VTQ results in 2023 to ensure that students received results in sufficient time.This was actioned in response to the issues with VTQ results delivery in 2022.
Datasets
The dataset used to produce this release is available separately, and can be explored visually via this interactive tool.
Statistics collection
All our published vocational and other qualifications publications are available as part of the collection for vocational qualifications statistics.
User feedback
We welcome your feedback on our publications.Should you have any comments on this statistical release and how to improve it to meet your needs please contact us at data.analytics@ofqual.gov.uk.