As the new diploma nears introduction next year, some confusion and misinterpretation about BTEC's future has arisen in speeches and conversations.

Edexcel is fully commited to the new Diploma and believes it has the best, most comprehensive offer in the marketplace and was proud to be the only awarding body to be approved by the regulator to offer all five lines of principal learning.

However, Edexcel wants to make it clear that BTECs remain and will continue to remain a strong vocational offer in our schools and colleges and they continue to grow.   We will celebrate BTEC's 25th birthday in 2008.

BTEC vocational qualifications are studied internationally and recognised by industry and employers around the world.  In the UK they are delivered in over 2,700 schools and colleges around England Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Over 460,000 students registered in 2007, taking the number registered on Edexcel's vocational programmes to over one million for the first time ever.

They are provided by just one awarding body - Edexcel. 

Studied at the same level as GCSE, BTEC Level two qualifications - the BTEC First Diploma or Certificate are prepare students for work by developing operational skills for a chosen industry.  The progression to the  BTEC National (a level 3 GCE equivalent) prepare students for work in a specialist career, or are used as career development for people already in work.  The BTEC Higher National Diploma/Certificate (Level five) is a similar to a Foundation Degree (but with a core national standard of content and learning attainment) and taken in FE or HE establishments and leads to the final year entry into a range of degree programmes or directly into employment.

BTECs have stood the test of time to gain a level of recognition and respectability normally only associated with academic qualifications. Over the last 20 years, 2.6 million people have achieved BTECs across a range of industries inclucing Arts and media;  Business; Computing and IT; Construction and engineering; Health and care; Hospitality; Land and environment; Science; Sport and leisure; Travel and tourism.

What people say about BTECs

Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Jim Knight   At the 2nd Annual 14-19 Diplomas Conference supported by DCSF and QCA, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Jim Knight, commented: “BTECs are still an excellent route…..Functional Skills can be integrated into a BTEC offer as part of a package.” (september 2007)

Derek Twigg MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (MOD) Speaking in a Parliamentary debate on cadets on 25th January 2007, Defence Minister Derek Twigg said "BTEC is a vocational qualification equivalent to 4 GCSEs at A to C level. It is a qualification that can make a huge difference to a child's life chances, because without it, nearly half those children would have left school with fewer than five GCSEs. For others, the qualification is enough to provide a vital step-up into further education, or in some cases it has contributed to cadets getting into their university of choice.

Ken Boston, Chief Executive, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)
On 17th January, Ken Boston, Chief Executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), gave evidence to the House of Commons Education and Skills Select Committee. Jeff Ennis MP asked Mr Boston what would happen to the BTEC qualification when the forthcoming Diplomas are available. Mr Boston said:

“The qualification will continue. It is a good qualification. What they are envisaging is there is a market of qualifications. In due course it may well be that the BTEC or elements of the BTEC become incorporated in the diplomas.”

National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT)
In a written submission to the House of Commons Education and Skills Select Committee published in January 2007, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) argued that:

"Any suggestion that BTEC funding may be discontinued has proved unhelpful and alarming for many of our members. There is little point in destroying a qualification that is proving successful and developing opportunities for youngsters until or unless a better alternative is proven.”

The full NAHT evidence is online here

Association of Colleges (AoC)
In a written submission to the House of Commons Education and Skills Select Committee published in January 2007, the Association of Colleges (AoC) reported this of BTECs:

“These are tried and tested qualifications that are sector specific and which contain the level of specialism that already are highly successful in offering an alternative progression route to Higher Education and directly into jobs. These have so far been successful in meeting the requirements of young people who are ready to commit to a particular sector. They have been proven to be motivating and have successfully retained young people in full time education.”

The full AoC evidence is online here