Fri Sep 20 12:46:25 UTC 2024: ## Government Announces Moratorium on Funding for New Level 3 and Below Qualifications

**London, UK** – The Department for Education has announced a moratorium on funding for new regulated qualifications at level 3 and below for students aged 16 and over, effective from September 1st, 2020. This decision, referred to as a “moratorium”, will not apply to certain qualifications that meet specific exemption criteria.

The moratorium aims to:

* **Improve the quality and efficiency of post-16 qualifications:** The government is conducting a focused review of post-16 qualifications at level 3 and below, and the moratorium will allow for a more thorough assessment of the current system.
* **Ensure alignment with government priorities:** The moratorium will allow for a reassessment of qualifications in relation to government priorities, including economic needs, skills gaps, and sector-specific requirements.
* **Reduce unnecessary duplication:** The moratorium will help to prevent the development of new qualifications that overlap or duplicate existing offerings.

**Exemption Criteria:**

While the moratorium applies to most new qualifications, there are several exemption categories for qualifications that:

* **Respond to specific economic needs:** Qualifications designed to address particular economic needs at a national or regional level will be considered for funding.
* **Meet occupational regulation requirements:** Qualifications linked to occupational regulation will be eligible for funding if they meet specific criteria.
* **Support entry into priority government sectors:** Qualifications that support entry into specific job roles in priority government sectors where there is a lack of provision will be considered for funding.
* **Respond to emerging job roles:** Qualifications designed to respond to emerging or changed job roles in specific occupations will be considered for funding.

**Qualifications Exempt from the Moratorium:**

Certain qualifications are exempt from the moratorium, including:

* **Qualifications outside the scope of the qualifications review:** Existing qualifications that are not subject to the review process will continue to be funded.
* **Qualifications already subject to reform:** Qualifications undergoing reform, such as digital functional skills, will be eligible for funding.
* **Qualifications with automatic approval:** Qualifications that are automatically approved due to their nature will continue to receive funding.

**Impact on Existing Qualifications:**

The Department for Education will continue to fund existing qualifications until their completion or certification end date. However, the moratorium will impact new starts on existing qualifications, with a last date for new starts being announced.

**Next Steps:**

The moratorium will remain in place until the focused review of post-16 qualifications is completed. Further updates will be provided on the Department for Education website and in the qualification approval manual.

**For more information:**

* [Link to Department for Education website]
* [Link to Qualification Approval Manual]

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