BTEC Level 3 Creatives

Protect Student Choice at 16+

Protect Student Choice - The future of Level 3

In July 2021, the Government completed a review and consultation that impacts Level 3 BTECs and other vocational qualifications in England.

The main proposal is to introduce a choice between T levels and A levels at Level 3, where most young people pursue one of these routes at the age of 16. Alongside this the DfE recognise that in certain areas there is a clear role for alternative qualifications to T Levels and A levels such as BTECs, and these qualifications will run alongside A levels and T Levels.

With research showing a significant increase in new Creatives jobs by 2030, it's more important than ever to #ProtectStudentChoice for BTECs in Creatives.

An extra year before the reform timetable is implemented

In November 2021, the Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi announced that the original implementation timetable will be set back by one year.

This means that the phased removal of funding for BTECs that overlap with T Levels, and the phased introduction of the new Level 3 ‘Academic’ and ‘Technical’ qualifications will start from 2024/25 rather than 2023/24. These webpages and documents have been updated to reflect this change.

Despite the extra year, we want to see BTEC Level 3 Nationals and other Applied General qualifications funded in the long term. And are therefore continuing to support and promote the #ProtectStudentChoice petition. (See below for more.)

Students

14,000 students take full-time BTEC Creatives qualifications.

Progression

Over 30% of learners progress to Drama/Cinematics and Photography, nearly 30% of entrants for Music held a BTEC, and nearly 25% of entrants for Design Studies, hold a BTEC in the Creative sector, and nearly 50% of Games degree entrants held a BTEC qualification.

Skills gap

Research shows a need to increase supply and diversity of talent in the Creatives industry and one million new creative jobs by 2030, in a sector worth more than £91.8bn a year.

What can you do to help?

Sign the petition

Protect student choice by signing the petition. Ask your colleagues, peers and employers to sign too.

Promote on social

Share, like, retweet and post the petition on social media using the hashtag #ProtectStudentChoice.

Contact your MP

Use our letter to your local MP as a template to reach out and get your voice heard.

Spread the word

Get in touch with your local schools, colleges and organisations and ask them to join.

Why is it so important to save BTEC Level 3 Creatives?

Creativity impacts everything we do, plays a huge role in how we all feel and can be the key to business success. Providing courses that will motivate creative minds and challenge them to explore new ideas is essential.

The range of BTEC Creatives qualifications which includes Art and Drsign, Creative Media, Music and Performing Arts, provide flexible and industry-relevant qualifications, designed to help learners build the skills to succeed and the confidence to progress in a diverse and exciting sector.