Arrangements for the timely delivery of VTQ results for 2024-25 

Qualifications in scope  

The qualifications in scope of these arrangements apply to any VTQs used for progression alongside or instead of GCSEs, AS and A levels. Take a look at the table below for more information and view the full list of NCFE qualifications in scope.  

 Please note that these arrangements apply to all types of centres, including colleges, schools and training providers. 

Key dates for term-time checkpoints and results 

To identify which learners need a result on or before August results days  for progression to higher education or further education, we’ll ask you to complete two term-time checkpoints during the academic year: 

• The window for the first term-time checkpoint opened earlier this year, on Monday 9 December 2024, and the deadline for completion is Friday 31 January 2025. 
• The window for the second term-time checkpoint will open on Monday 10 March 2025 and the deadline will be Friday 2 May 2025. There will be no extension provided on this deadline, as we need to send the term-time checkpoint outcomes to Ofqual on Tuesday 13 May 2025. 
• We want to remind you that from summer 2025 onwards, we’ve brought forward the completion date for EQA reviews to Monday 30 June 2025 to ensure results are issued for results day. 
• You must make your claims for internally assessed components by Friday 11 July 2025 unless you’re waiting on exam results. 
  
• Results for many of the qualifications in scope will be released on a rolling basis throughout the year, with the exception of T Levels and Level 1/2 Technical Awards. Results for the qualifications in scope will be provided to centres in advance of results days, and in sufficient time for exams officers to check and prepare them for final release to learners. Results will be released by the following dates:  
• • Results for our Level 3 qualifications (excluding T Levels) are available throughout the year depending on when external assessments have been completed or EQA activity has been carried out. Therefore, in order to receive qualification level results for Thursday 14 August 2025, all EQA reviews need to have been completed by Monday 30 June 2025 and claims for internally assessed components by Friday 11 July 2025 (unless you’re waiting on exam results).  
    
  • Results for T Level technical qualifications will be released to providers on Wednesday 13 August 2025, in preparation for students receiving these on Thursday 14 August 2025. These results are embargoed and can’t be released to students until Thursday 14 August 2025.  
  • Results for Level 1/2 and Level 2 qualifications in scope will be released to centres no later than Monday 18 August 2025 in preparation for learners receiving these by Thursday 21 August 2025. However, it should be noted that these are released on a rolling basis throughout the year and can be released to learners at any time.  

View our key dates infographic.

Information we need from you  

Requirements for the first term-time checkpoint  – please complete these actions before Friday 31 January

You need to:  

• check that all learners currently studying on an NCFE programme at your centre are registered on the NCFE Portal – learners should be registered no later than 90 days after their start date, or late registration fees will apply (separate fees apply for T Levels) 
• remove any learners who have withdrawn or transferred to a qualification out of scope of these arrangements  
• ensure all planned end dates are completed and accurate  
• nominate a senior designated contact for your centre, who we can escalate any issues to both during and outside term-time. As part of this first term time check, we’ll ask you to confirm the name of the most relevant person close to exams and assessments who is used to being a point of escalation. This doesn’t necessarily need to be the principal or headteacher.  Even if you submitted this information last year, we require senior designated contact details to be resubmitted for 2024-25. 
• sign the declaration form on the Portal to confirm you have completed the above actions.  

Requirements for the second term-time checkpoint will be shared after checkpoint one.  

Consequences of failure to meet deadlines for information requests  

As stated in your centre agreement, you must comply with all requirements for the provision of information to us within the specified timeframes. If your centre fails to respond to term-time checkpoint requests for information, this may be considered as malpractice or maladministration as it is in breach of our centre agreement.  

If you haven’t completed the first term-time checkpoint by 31 January 2025, your account will be suspended from 1 February 2025. This suspension will be in place until your centre completes the term-time checkpoint.

We appreciate your collaboration and participation in the checkpoints process, and we hope that the timelines and information above give you the opportunity to complete the checkpoints before the stated deadlines.  

You said, we did – what we’ve changed from last year 

This year, awarding organisations are working much closer together on the timely delivery of results plan through the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) to better align our terminology, processes and timings of requests.  

We’ve also made changes to our own processes, including: 

• opening the checkpoints earlier to give you more time to complete them, and extending our timelines to open ahead of the Christmas break 
• using additional channels to remind you of upcoming actions and deadlines, including our new WhatsApp channel.  

Further support  

If you have any queries about VTQ results and the term-time checks process, please contact our Customer Support team through LiveChat or via email at [email protected].