Updated 3 May 2016: the titles of two specifications have changed.
We're excited to be developing a new suite of qualifications that 14-16 year olds can study alongside their GCSEs.
Technical Awards are more practical in nature and provide students with knowledge and highly sought-after skills to prepare them for further study, apprenticeships and the workplace.
If approved by the Department of Education each Technical Award would be equivalent to a GCSE qualification and would count towards performance tables. They could then be included in progress 8 as part of the non-EBacc open group of subjects.
We are developing nine Technical Awards in the following subjects ready for first teaching from September 2017:
The Awards are being developed in partnership with teachers, employers and stakeholders to ensure that they prepare students for further study, apprenticeships and the workplace. Students with a Technical Award will be able to go on to study A-levels or vocational qualifications such as our Tech-levels.
We are also looking into the possibility of developing a STEM Technical Award.
We are working on the structure and assessments of these qualifications and will be able to provide more information on our plans in spring this year.
We will be working within new parameters set out by the Department for Education for all vocational qualifications at Key Stage 4, which affect all awarding bodies. All Technical Awards must:
You can read the technical guidance set out by the DfE.
If you'd like to be kept informed about the development of our Technical Awards, please sign up for updates.