More than 160 “duplicate qualifications” at level 3 and below will have their funding removed from August 2020 – including 76 BTECs, the education secretary confirmed today. The government will also stop any new qualification at those levels from getting approval for funding from 2020. It is part of a crack down on “poor quality post-16 qualifications”, and follows the first of a two-stage consultation to decide the future of over 12,000 vocational qualifications at level 3 and below. The government wants to make A-levels, T-levels and apprenticeships the “gold standard” option for young people after they take their GCSEs from 2020. It will only continue to fund alternative qualifications at level 3 and below – such as applied generals, BTECs and Tech Levels – that do not overlap with them and are “high quality, are necessary, have a clear purpose, and lead to good outcomes”. Those that will have their funding withdrawn from August 2020 are “legacy” qualifications – which don’t feature any external assessment. They have all been replaced by new “more rigorous” versions which will continue to be funded by the Department for Education. “I have previously said you cannot legislate for parity of esteem between technical and academic education – you’ve got to ensure high standards, then the esteem will come,” education secretary Damian Hinds said today. “Our unrelenting focus on improving the quality of the qualifications available is key to this. “The current system is confusing and complicated, with more than 12,000 qualifications available at level 3 and below. We are reviewing qualifications to boost the quality of the options out there so more students and parents will trust them.” Some sector leaders have expressed concern that the level 3 and below review is manipulation of the market – something the skills minister Anne Milton has strongly denied. The DfE said the response to its first consultation will be published alongside the launch of the second consultation later this year, which will set out more detailed proposals for change, including the criteria that will be used to determine whether a qualification will be approved for public funding. Pearson, which awards BTECs, has been approached for comment about today’s announcement. Pre-existing qualification number Pre-existing qualification title Awarding organisation Level Sector subject area (tier 2) Qualification type 50024000 OCR Level 3 Principal Learning in Engineering OCR Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50062451 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Understanding Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 50062463 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 50065038 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Floristry City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 50066730 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Science Applied General 50067205 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Science Applied General 50067254 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Science Applied General 50067266 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Science Applied General 50067461 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 50067473 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 50067485 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Business (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 50067503 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 50067515 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 50067539 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Sport (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 50067552 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 50067643 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 50067655 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 50067667 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 50068015 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 50068726 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 50068738 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 50069196 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 50069202 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Performing Arts (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 50071373 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 50071397 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 50071403 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 50071440 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Art and Design (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Crafts, creative arts and design Applied General 50072833 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50072961 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50073199 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50073333 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Art and Design (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Crafts, creative arts and design Applied General 50073898 VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing VTCT Level 3 Service enterprises Tech Level 50077132 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Law (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Law and legal services Applied General 50077181 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Music (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 50077995 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50078008 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50079281 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Crafts, creative arts and design Applied General 50080970 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50080982 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50081548 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50081561 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Applied General 50081652 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 50082425 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Agriculture (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50082437 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50082619 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50082656 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50082668 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 50082796 City & Guilds Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50082802 City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50083016 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50083028 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Countryside Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50083119 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50083211 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50083363 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 50083843 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 50083855 City & Guilds Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horticulture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 50083880 City & Guilds Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Agriculture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50084872 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50084896 City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Countryside Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50084902 City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50085608 City & Guilds Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Countryside Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 50087083 City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50087095 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Horse Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50087149 City & Guilds Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horse Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50087204 City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 50087241 City & Guilds Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 50089419 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Service enterprises Tech Level 50091001 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Barbering City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Service enterprises Tech Level 50091475 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 ICT practitioners Applied General 50091487 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in IT (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 ICT practitioners Applied General 50093174 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Health and Social Care (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Health and social care Applied General 50094282 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50094312 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Horse Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50094324 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horse Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 50094658 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Health and social care Applied General 50095018 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Health and social care Applied General 50097878 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Travel and Tourism (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Travel and tourism Applied General 60014842 VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Barbering VTCT Level 3 Service enterprises Tech Level 60022449 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Supervision Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Hospitality and catering Tech Level 60028269 UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design University of the Arts London Level 3 Crafts, creative arts and design Applied General 60028270 UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design University of the Arts London Level 3 Crafts, creative arts and design Applied General 60030835 WJEC Level 3 Diploma In Criminology WJEC-CBAC Level 3 Sociology and social policy Applied General 60038871 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in IT (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 ICT practitioners Applied General 60038895 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Business (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 60039309 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 60039310 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Sport (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 60042266 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Business OCR Level 3 Business management Applied General 60042291 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Business OCR Level 3 Business management Applied General 60042308 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Health and Social Care OCR Level 3 Health and social care Applied General 60042321 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Business OCR Level 3 Business management Applied General 60042333 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care OCR Level 3 Health and social care Applied General 60042345 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in IT OCR Level 3 ICT practitioners Tech Level 60042357 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in Business OCR Level 3 Business management Applied General 60042369 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in Health and Social Care OCR Level 3 Health and social care Applied General 60042370 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in IT OCR Level 3 ICT practitioners Tech Level 60043866 WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition WJEC-CBAC Level 3 Hospitality and catering Applied General 60046089 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Business OCR Level 3 Business management Applied General 60046120 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Health and Social Care OCR Level 3 Health and social care Applied General 60046235 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT OCR Level 3 ICT practitioners Applied General 60048050 VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Professional Patisserie and Confectionery VTCT Level 3 Hospitality and catering Tech Level 60054979 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma In Plumbing Studies City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 60054992 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma In Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 60058493 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Applied Science (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Science Applied General 60060487 City & Guilds Level 3 90-Credit Diploma in Agriculture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 60061005 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in Media OCR Level 3 Media and communication Tech Level 60061121 City & Guilds Level 3 90-Credit Diploma in Animal Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 60061133 City & Guilds Level 3 90-Credit Diploma in Countryside Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 60061145 City & Guilds Level 3 90-Credit Diploma in Horse Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 60061157 City & Guilds Level 3 90-Credit Diploma in Horticulture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 60061406 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Sport OCR Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 60061431 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Sport OCR Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 60061777 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Media OCR Level 3 Media and communication Tech Level 60061789 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Health and Social Care (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Health and social care Applied General 60061972 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Media OCR Level 3 Media and communication Tech Level 60066131 RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners Rock School Ltd Level 3 Performing arts Tech Level 60069958 VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing VTCT Level 3 Service enterprises Tech Level 60077943 IMI Level 3 Diploma in Land-Based Technology (VRQ) The Institute of the Motor Industry Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 60078339 CISI Level 3 Diploma In Finance, Risk & Investment Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment Level 3 Accounting and finance Applied General 60080504 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma In Bench Joinery City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 60085927 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma In Painting and Decorating City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 60086658 VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Studies VTCT Level 3 Service enterprises Tech Level 60087080 VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing Studies VTCT Level 3 Service enterprises Tech Level 60087092 VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Barbering Studies VTCT Level 3 Service enterprises Tech Level 60090054 VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery Studies VTCT Level 3 Hospitality and catering Tech Level 60093316 EAL Level 3 Diploma In Electrical Installation Excellence, Achievement & Learning Limited Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 60101118 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Performing Arts OCR Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 60102470 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Performing Arts OCR Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 60102482 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Performing Arts OCR Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 60102494 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Performing Arts OCR Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 60102500 OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts OCR Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 60105021 Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 60105641 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Horse Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 60110016 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma In Plastering City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 60110958 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 60110995 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 60111008 Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Horticulture (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 60121476 NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) NCFE Level 3 Child development and well-being Tech Level 60125251 Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) (VRQ) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Child development and well-being Tech Level 60125275 Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) (VRQ) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Child development and well-being Tech Level 60131172 City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) (540) City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Child development and well-being Tech Level 60131354 VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Studies VTCT Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 60131366 VTCT Level 3 Introductory Diploma in Sports Studies VTCT Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 60131378 VTCT Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sports Studies VTCT Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General 60145365 AQA Level 3 Technical Level Engineering : Power Network Engineering (VRQ) AQA Education Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 60145377 AQA Level 3 Technical Level Engineering : Design Engineering (VRQ) AQA Education Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 60145389 AQA Level 3 Technical Level Engineering : Mechatronic Engineering (VRQ) AQA Education Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 60145419 AQA Level 3 Technical Level IT: Networking (VRQ) AQA Education Level 3 ICT practitioners Tech Level 60145420 AQA Level 3 Technical Level IT: User Support (VRQ) AQA Education Level 3 ICT practitioners Tech Level 60145432 AQA Level 3 Technical Level IT: Programming (VRQ) AQA Education Level 3 ICT practitioners Tech Level 5007314X Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Engineering Tech Level 5008351X Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horticulture (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 5008401X City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Horticulture and forestry Tech Level 5008561X City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 5010682X City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Land-based Technology City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Agriculture Tech Level 6003953X Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Performing Arts (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Performing arts Applied General 6004228X OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in IT OCR Level 3 ICT practitioners Applied General 6004231X OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in IT OCR Level 3 ICT practitioners Tech Level 6005072X City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma In Complementary Therapies City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Health and social care Tech Level 6006481X City & Guilds Level 3 Principal Learning in Construction and the Built Environment City and Guilds of London Institute Level 3 Building and construction Tech Level 6006612X RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma For Music Practitioners Rock School Ltd Level 3 Performing arts Tech Level 6010501X Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Business management Applied General 6010563X Pearson BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Animal Management (QCF) Pearson Education Ltd Level 3 Animal care and veterinary science Tech Level 6013138X VTCT Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Studies VTCT Level 3 Sport, leisure and recreation Applied General