Ofqual
Details
Key headlines for quarter 3 2023 (July to September)
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The number of certificates issued in quarter 3 2023 was 2.2 million, a decrease of 5% from quarter 3 2022. The number of certificates issued in the 12 months leading up to and including September 2023 (5.0 million) increased by 2% from the previous 12 months up to and including September 2022 (4.9 million). The number of certificates issued remains below pre-pandemic levels when compared to the number of certificates issued in the 12 months up to and including September 2019 (5.8 million).
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The largest increase in the number of certificates issued for a qualification type was seen for Performing Arts Graded Examinations (from 134,180 certificates in quarter 3 2022 to 149,265 certificates in quarter 3 2023, an increase of 11%). The largest decrease was seen for Vocationally-Related Qualifications (from 1.1 million certificates in quarter 3 2022 to 931,655 certificates in quarter 3 2023, a decrease of 13%).
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The largest increase in the number of certificates issued for a qualification level was seen for Level 1 qualifications (from 329,690 certificates in quarter 3 2022 to 338,525 certificates in quarter 3 2023, an increase of 3%). The largest decreases were seen for Level 3 qualifications (from 681,305 certificates in quarter 3 2022 to 630,230 certificates in quarter 3 2023, a decrease of 7%) and for Level 1/Level 2 qualifications (from 402,755 certificates in quarter 3 2022 to 357,040 certificates in quarter 3 2023, a decrease of 11%).
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Most sector subject areas saw a decrease in the number of certificates issued in quarter 3 2023 compared to quarter 3 2022. The largest decrease was seen for Leisure, Travel and Tourism qualifications (from 203,515 certificates in quarter 3 2022 to 168,370 certificates in quarter 3 2023, a decrease of 17%). The largest in