GovWire

Context

In quarter 3 2022 (July to September) there were no COVID-19 restrictions in place in England. Adaptations to vocational and other qualifications continued to be permitted, in line with our regulatory arrangements (please see the background notes for more information). The trends seen in this quarter may have been affected as a result.

Main trends for quarter 3 (July to September) 2022

1. The number of certificates awarded in quarter 3 2022 was nearly 2.3 million, a 1% increase from quarter 3 of 2021. The number of certificates issued between October 2021 and September 2022 (4,891,385) increased by 6% relative to the number of certificates issued between October 2020 and September 2021 (4,621,110). Despite this increase, the number of certificates issued in October 2021 to September 2022 is still below pre-pandemic levels, with 889,220 fewer certificates issued than between October 2018 and September 2019 (5,780,605).

2. In terms of number of certificates issued by qualification types, there was a mix of increases and decreases compared to quarter 3 2021. The largest increase in numbers was seen for Other General Qualifications (from 339,995 certificates in quarter 3 2021 to 372,535 certificates in quarter 3 2022, an increase of 10%). Vocationally-Related Qualifications showed the largest decrease (from 1,098,590 certificates in quarter 3 2021 to 1,065,490 certificates in quarter 3 2022, a decrease of 3%).

3. Most qualification levels saw a decrease in the numbers of certificates issued compared to quarter 3 2021. The largest decreases in numbers were seen in Level 1/Level 2 qualifications (from 416,215 certificates in quarter 3 of 2021 to 402,755 certificates in quarter 3 of 2022, a decrease of 3%) and Level 3 qualifications (from 693,515 to 681,305 certificates, a decrease of 2%). The largest increase in numbers was seen for Entry Level qualifications (from 254,370 in quarter 3 2021 to 302,000 in quarter 3 2022, an increase of 19%).

4. Quarter 3 of 2022 saw a mix of increases and decreases in the number of certificates awarded across sector subject areas. Business, Administration and Law saw the largest decrease in the number of certificates compared to quarter 3 of 2021 (from 196,605 certificates to 180,070 certificates, a decrease of 8%). The largest increase in the number of certificates was seen in Preparation for Life and Work, increasing by 8% from 366,600 in quarter 3 of 2021 to 394,215 in quarter 3 of 2022.

5. The 3 qualifications with the highest number of certificates awarded in quarter 3 2022 were the OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia, Pearsons BTEC Level1/Level 2 First Award in Sport, and Pearsons BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care. These qualifications also had the highest number of certifications in quarter 3 of 2021.

6. The awarding organisation with the highest number of certificates issued in this quarter was Pearson, followed by City and Guilds, then OCR. Pearson saw a 4% decrease in the number of certificates compared to quarter 3 2021 (from 614,455 to 587,930). City and Guilds and OCR saw decreases of 1% (from 248,730 to 245,840) and 3%

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