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AAQ qualifications (2025/26 applicants)

The UK government is phasing out certain BTEC study options, replacing them with Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQ’s) from July 2025.

Government funding changes to Level 3 qualifications

There has been a government review of vocational courses (usually called BTEC courses) since last year.  The following courses will be phased out by July 2025 and replaced with Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs).

 


Defunded 2025

  • OCR EC Health and Social Care
  • BTEC EC Engineering
  • BTEC EC Human Biology
  • OCR IT Introductory Diploma

 

Transition from Sept 2025 to

  • New AAQ in Health and Social Care
  • New AAQ in Engineering
  • New AAQ in Human Biology
  • New AAQ in IT

 

Information for 2025/26 applicants

Communications are cascaded to applicants who have an offer to study a subject that is being phased out to confirm that you will be able to study the new AAQ in the same subject.

Updates will be provided to applicants and parents/carers, which qualifications are having funded stopped and, where known, what qualifications are replacing them.

FAQs

We have prepared some FAQs should you have additional questions about this these changes.

1. What does this mean for a year 11 student who has an offer to study at St Brendan’s to study health and social care, engineering, human biology or IT?

You will be moved onto the AAQ subject.

 2. Have the entry criteria for AAQs changed – will I need to obtain higher GCSE grades for example?

No, the entry criteria for studying at St Brendan’s remains the same as explained in your application interview.

3. What is the difference between an OCR/BTEC compared to an AAQ?

The name of the qualification is different, but an AAQ means you are still studying an academic qualification alongside A-levels.

4. Do I need to do anything now?

No, we will simply update your offer to include the new AAQ. If you wish to change a course, you may contact our admissions team. You also have opportunity to change a course when you attend our Year 11 Taster Days in June.

5. Will the AAQ in the subject I want to study be different from the previous qualification?

There may be some differences in the type of assessment or structure of the course and we will update you on these changes.

6. Will I still be able to apply to university if I am studying an AAQ?

Yes, AAQs will give students the essential skills and knowledge they need to prepare for entry into higher education. They have been developed in collaboration with universities and employers to ensure they meet entry requirements for higher education and employment.

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