Statement from Economy Minister Diane Dodds on upcoming vocational qualification exams and assessments

Date published: 5 January 2021

“The safety and interests of our learners remains of the utmost importance. It is also of significant importance to facilitate learning and progression as much as we can during these challenging circumstances. In doing so, we must recognise the unprecedented challenges faced by learners over recent months, including lost learning time and disruption, in addition to social isolation and family pressures.

“In conjunction with my Ministerial colleagues in England and Wales, we have therefore agreed that further flexibilities will be put in place for the January exams and assessments, particularly in relation to BTecs. Learning centres, including further education colleges, schools and training providers, will be afforded additional discretion to determine whether it is appropriate for learners to sit the scheduled BTec exams in January, taking into consideration a range of factors including health and safety and the personal circumstances of their learners.

“I wish to provide an assurance that no learner will be disadvantaged if they are not in a position to sit the January exams and they will be able to take the exams at a later date, or if that is not possible, alternative arrangements will be put in place by their learning centre / awarding organisation.

“As we collectively continue to grapple with the increasing severity of the pandemic, my priority remains to ensure that vocational learners are afforded the opportunity to receive fair and equitable results over the coming months to facilitate progression pathways, whether that be to study further or employment, and we will do everything possible to support them.

“I recognise that many young people and other learners in schools and further education colleges are currently preparing for general qualifications such as GCSEs and A levels, which fall under the responsibility of the Department of Education. I would reassure you that I will continue to work with the Education Minister on these crucial areas to ensure that those undertaking qualifications in Northern Ireland are not disadvantaged.

“Further details will be provided very shortly by relevant awarding organisations and CCEA Regulation and I would encourage learners to contact their learning centres for further information in the first instance.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay huge tribute to teachers, tutors, learners and their families for their considerable efforts and dedication during these exceptionally challenging times."