Teacher calculated grades will be possible for many vocational and technical qualifications, Ofqual has said.

This follows the cancellation of the summer exam diet and the closure of college campuses to most students in response to the coronavirus outbreak. On Friday, it was announced GCSE and A-level students would receive grades based on teacher assessment. 

In a new statement released this afternoon, the exam regulator said it was considering how similar arrangements to these could be used for the wide range of vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) used for progression and taken in schools, colleges and training providers. 

“Some form of teacher calculated grade, or other form of estimation based on assessment that has already taken place, will be possible in many cases,” Ofqual said.

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Ofqual added that in some cases it would be appropriate to “adapt the assessment or delivery arrangements so that everyone can have confidence in the outcome.”

“For some qualifications that signify occupational competence or award a licence to practise in safety-critical industries, assessment might need to be delayed in order to ensure public safety and meet the needs of employers.”

Ofqual said with the many different types of qualification, awarding organisations, learner groups and assessment approaches, the landscape was “complex and it is clear that one size will not fit all circumstances”. 

“We are working urgently with the Department for Education, awarding organisations, other regulators and the wider sector to develop and publish a clear approach for the different categories of VTQs in the coming days.”