Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what opportunities there are to have non-recognised ICT qualifications validated when there is evidence that these qualifications have been demonstrated in the workplace; and if she will make a statement.

The previous government introduced measures to raise the quality and rigour of technical and vocational qualifications. Only those qualifications that meet the required quality standards are recognised in the school and college performance tables.

The Department for Education runs an annual process to identify qualifications that meet the required standards and can count in performance tables. This includes a requirement for evidence that a qualification supports progression to the next stage of education, training or employment. If an awarding organisation can demonstrate that a qualification meets the criteria, it can be included in performance tables.

As a result of our reforms, students can now choose from consistently high quality and appropriate qualifications across all sectors that have genuine currency for the purposes of progression. The criteria for qualifications for 14-16 year olds are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/412515/14-16_qualifications_technical_guide_2017_and_2018_performance_tables.pdf

The criteria for qualifications for 16-18 year olds are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/412526/16-19_qualifications_technical_guide_2017_and_2018_performance_tables.pdf