GovWire

Once a qualification has been approved for funding, we may review the funding approval status of a qualification.

This could be because of a change which you identify - for example, if:

• you update an existing qualification
• there is a change to your scope of recognition

It could also be because of a change we identify. For example, if:

• new T Levels or T Level occupational specialisms are introduced
• there is new evidence which means the qualification no longer meets the funding approval criteria
• there is a change in policy
• occupational standards are revised
• approval status as a technical qualification changes

We will review changes with the relevant organisations involved in this process where appropriate.

Where there are changes to an assessment strategy for a qualification, you must also promptly notify Ofqual of the change in line with the relevant qualification-level conditions.

Once a qualification is approved for funding, we reserve the right to suspend funding approval if we have concerns about the qualification meeting the funding approval criteria. We also reserve the right to take action once a qualification is approved if we have evidence from third parties concerning the efficacy of the qualification or the organisation offering it.

Awarding organisation updates an approved qualification

Once a qualification is approved for funding, we understand that, in some circumstances, you may need to make changes to the qualification. Not all changes will mean that the qualifications approval (including funding approval) will change, but certain changes will.

Changes you do not need to tell us about

You do not need to tell us about minor changes to the existing qualification. However, ensure you update Ofquals register of regulated qualifications, where this is appropriate.

Minor changes that you do not need to tell us about are:

• spelling or grammatical corrections in the qualification title or qualification materials
• adding additional clarification to the qualification materials which does not change the meaning or interpretation of the qualification - for example, further exemplification of content which does not change the assessment or delivery

Changes you need to tell us about

Some changes to an existing qualification will be more substantial as they change the meaning and interpretation or delivery of the qualification. These types of changes also may mean you need to develop a new qualification with a new qualification number.

Examples of such changes include but are not limited to:

• changes to the qualifications purpose
• structural changes to the content being covered - for example, new topics added or removed from the specification
• revisions to assessment strategy
• changes that impact the mapping or alignment of the qualification and assessment materials to occupational standards
• changes to the qualification title that are more than correcting typos or adding punctuation
• changes to the number of assessments from that previously described in the specification
• changes to the controls on assessment tasks
• changes in grade scale
• the qualification is no longer available for delivery in England
• changes in guided learning hours or total qualification time
• changes in sector subject area

Where major changes occur you must inform us of the changes made to the qualification. This is so we can review the changes and ensure they do not impact the approval of the qualification, including the funding approval.

Ensure the information you provide about changes and the information about your qualification on Ofquals register is accurate. This may impact the funding approval or funding rate of a qualification.

Changes to your assessment strategy

Ofqual requires awarding organisations to keep their assessment strategy under review. If the changes you make include a revision to your assessment strategy, you must promptly notify Ofqual.

Further information is available in Ofquals level 3 alternative academic qualifications and technical occupation qualifications qualification level conditions.

Telling us about a change

If you have changed your qualification and the change is not minor, you must inform us of the change.

For technical qualifications you will need to inform us of the changes using our process for changes to approved qualifications. This information will then be shared with the relevant organisations as appropriate.

For alternative academic qualifications, you will need to inform DfE of the change. DfE will then share this information with Ofqual, as appropriate.

You must also promptly and directly inform Ofqual of revisions to the assessment strategy using the awarding organisation portal. We will review the information to assess whether your qualification continues to meet the funding approval criteria. This will be alongside any review of the change from any of the relevant organisations. We will then jointly confirm how we will manage this change.

Changes we will tell you about

You may need to revise your qualification in response to changes that we notify you of. For example, if there are:

• revisions to occupational standards
• changes to T Levels

These changes may mean we need to review the qualifications approval, including funding approval status. We will inform you of the change and what action you need to take.

Wewill inform you if you need to provide further information and submit your qualifications for re-approval, in the event of an occupational standard being changed.Further information is available on the change process.

Changes that may impact funding

Major changes to a qualification may also change the qualifications sector subject area and guided learning hours. These changes may also impact the funding rate and programme cost weighting set by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, for qualifications funded through:

• 16 to 19
• the skills fund
• advanced learner loans

We will provide further information on how changes that impact funding and programme cost weightings will be reviewed.

Awarding organisation withdraws a qualification

Qualifications that are approved for funding from 1 August 2026 will remain approved for funding up to 31 July 2029. If you withdraw a qualification before this date, we will use the operational end date that you set for the qualification on Ofquals register of regulated qualifications to bring forward the funding approval end date.

Where you withdraw a qualification and replace it with a new qualification and a new qualification number, you must submit the

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