MINISTERS are facing growing calls to cancel vocational exams.

Further education leaders have voiced concerns over students' safety and say it was not fair that A-levels and GCSEs have been postponed.

Are BTEC exams going ahead in 2021?

Yes. Pearsons, the awarding body that runs BTECs, has said it will award a grade for any student who is unable to take this month's exams and who has "enough evidence to receive a certificate that they need for progression".

Cindy Rampersaud, senior vice-president for Btecs and apprenticeships at Pearson, has said no learner will be disadvantaged if a school or college decides not to run vocational exams in January amid the latest lockdown.

The online statement from Pearson said: "We will award a grade for any learner who is unable to take their exams and has enough evidence to receive a certificate that they need for progression.

"Learners unable to take their assessment this January may be able to take their assessment at a later date. If that is not possible, we will put in place arrangements to ensure you are not disadvantaged."

What is a BTEC exam? 

BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council.

There are three main kinds of BTECs, each with their own sub-sections.

BTEC Firsts are available from entry-level to Level 2. These offer an introduction to working in a vocational sector. Combined with other qualifications, these can enable you to go on to further study, to an apprenticeship, or into employment. 

BTEC Nationals are available from Level 3. Many of these are well regarded by universities and employers.

A BTEC National qualification can lead to employment, continuing study, or professional development programmes.   

Finally, BTEC Apprenticeships are available at Levels 2 to 5 across more than 25 sectors.

What exams have already been cancelled this year?

Exams for English schoolchildren will be cancelled this summer — for the second year running.

The Prime Minister said: "We recognise that this will mean it is not possible or fair for all exams to go ahead this summer as normal.

"The Education Secretary will work with Ofqual to put in place alternative arrangements."

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed that 2021 A-level and GCSE results will be decided by teacher-assessed grades. 

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