Service messages

Welcome to our service messages area. This area is regularly updated with the latest information about our products, qualifications, processes and more.

We’ll also send you a monthly newsletter where we’ll highlight any key updates, and you can click through to this webpage to read the full details. We recommend bookmarking this page so that you can check back regularly for any updates!

Page last updated: 23/04/2024

April 2024

Important updates

• VTQ second term-time checkpoint now open: Thank you for submitting your information to us for the first VTQ term-time checkpoint. The second checkpoint is now open and the deadline for completion will be 3 May. Visit our timely results webpage for information on actions you need to take. You can also access Ofqual’s VTQ information hub for further support. 

Assessments and reviews

• Model 5 V Cert assessment support: As we approach the final stages of the assessment window for our Level 1/2 Technical Award qualifications, we want to remind you of some key dates and guidance. It’s important to meet all deadlines outlined to ensure your learners receive accurate and timely results. Visit our V Cert assessment support webpage for more information on deadlines, how to access assessment materials, moderation and uploading of learner evidence, the benefits of online assessment and sources of support. 
• Model 4 V Certs internal assessments: We want to share information about booking your learners onto the Model 4 V Certs non-examined assessment, withdrawing learners and upcoming submission dates. Please note that Model 4 V Certs require an external quality assurance review (Model 5 V Certs don’t require EQA reviews). To book this, please contact your External Quality Assurer as soon as possible. As a reminder, EQA reviews must be completed by 31 July 2024 to ensure timely results. 
• Using AI in summer 2024 external assessments: As we approach our summer series, we’re communicating with your centre to reiterate expectations on the use of AI in external assessments. We particularly want to address: 

• • the prevalence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and risks 
  • the overall approach of the JCQ guidance (learners must submit work which is their own, and that submitting work which is not their own, and/or which shows other AI misuse, will be investigated for potential malpractice and could result in disqualification from an assessment, or qualification overall) 
  • qualification specific guidance (for example, qualifications such as T Level Employer Set Project (ESP) and OS assessments, or CACHE Level 3 extended response essays, which allow access to the internet for some or all parts of the assessment). 

Qualification updates

• Horizons qualification updates document: View our recent qualification updates and maintenance information, such as qualification withdrawals, new qualifications and qualification amendments. 
• Changes to fees for CACHE qualifications: Find out more about fees that are applied if learners are booked under incorrect themes on our CACHE qualifications. 
• Now approved - new early years educator provision: We’re pleased to announce that from 1 September 2024, we’ll have an updated suite of early years educator (EYE) qualifications, ranging from Levels 3 to 5, that meet the new Department for Education (DfE) EYE criteria. The DfE has approved all of the qualifications that we submitted, and we’ll publish draft qualification specifications as soon as possible. 
• Functional Skills Qualification in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) reminder: This ICT qualification is now withdrawn, and we’re no longer able to take learner registrations. Take a look at the key dates for the final external assessments. 

Resources and support 

• Education and Early Years teaching assistant (TA) forum events: Our free TA forum events offer interactive CPD opportunities, to help teaching assistants build on their existing knowledge and skills in supporting children and young people within teaching and learning environments. Sign up for the next event in May, which will focus on supporting literacy skills. 
• Functional Skills English and maths CPD events: Sign up for a recap on spelling, punctuation and grammar in our ‘Let your SPaG shine’ session on Tuesday 21 May, or a maths CPD session for delivery staff supporting FS maths, covering ratios at Level 1 and Level 2 on Wednesday 22 May.
• V Cert support – prepare to teach Q&A drop-in sessions: We want to support providers in successfully delivering the V Cert Level 1/2 Technical Award and we’re offering a series of drop-in sessions to answer any questions you may have about the planning and delivery of these qualifications. Find out more. 
• Monthly exams officer update: View this month’s update which includes important reminders specifically for exams officers, upcoming events and resources to help you.  

Approvals 

• The T Level approval window is still open: If you’d like to deliver T Levels for the first time from September 2024, or deliver additional T Levels, you’ll need to apply for approval via our website before 28 June 2024. 

Horizons archive

Explore our Horizons portfolio update from 2024 and beyond below to learn more about our current offer.