AoC responds to Ofqual plan to introduce vocational qualifications results deadline

In response to Ofqual's Delivery and award of vocational and technical qualifications in 2022 report and announcements from Pearson and OCR, David Hughes, AoC Chief Executive said: “Delayed results for some Pearson and OCR vocational technical qualifications in summer 2022 caused a lot of anxiety and stress for students, especially those waiting on results to progress to university, further study, or employment.

“We are pleased to see that both organisations and Ofqual as the exams regulator recognised the seriousness of the situation and have each carried out open and wide-reaching reviews of practice and circumstances which led to this summer’s challenges. Implementing the recommendations should help minimise the risk of delayed results next year and beyond.

“We welcome the recommendations put forward by Pearson and OCR and Ofqual’s summer 2023 action plan which will go a long way to answer college concerns and ensure that students get their results when they are expecting them.

“Ofqual’s action plan reflects many of our asks, including earlier release of results to colleges, more AO checkpoints, a one-stop shop for awarding organisation communications and regular dialogue to ensure the system works for students.”

Notes to editors:

• AoC maintained constant lines of communication with the awarding organisations and the exams regulator Ofqual after issues with results first became apparent in August.
• AoC got involved with Pearson, OCR and OfQual to help ensure that students still waiting for results were informed and supported through a difficult time for them individually.
• AoC also arranged a Q&A with the chief regulator and college leaders to voice their concerns.
• AoC has engaged actively with colleges in the resulting investigations and is pleased many recommendations have been approved.