Allocation of Tariff points for Apprenticeships
UCAS gives tariff points to qualifications. These tariff points translate qualifications and grades into a numerical value. Universities and Colleges use this numerical value to assess whether a candidate has met the entry requirements for their course.
UCAS introduced a revised Tariff in 2017 and has expanded the range of qualifications that have attracted points. From 2022, tariff points were given to all regulated Level 3 qualifications (SCQF 6 in Scotland).
Following that decision, UCAS had been asked to consider giving points to Level 3 and SCQF Level 6 Apprenticeships. Following a wide consultation exercise, UCAS has now confirmed that Tariff Points will be given to Level 3 and SCQF Level 6 apprenticeships from the 2026 University admission cycle (which runs from autumn 2025 to autumn 2026). BALI fed into this consultation through its membership of the Apprenticeship Trailblazer groups for horticulture and arboriculture.
This is a welcome move and puts the apprenticeships on the same level as other vocational qualifications as a recognised pathway into higher education. It will help education providers understand the size and scope of a learner’s apprenticeship; it will also offer learner more opportunities should they wish to enter higher education after completing their apprenticeship.
Pause and Review of Qualifications Reform
In April 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) announced reforms to post-16 qualifications that included removing funding for a wide range of level 3 technical qualifications (such as BTECs) where those qualifications overlapped with T-Levels.
When the new Government took office in July 2024, it announced a pause to the reforms and launched a consultation – the Curriculum and Assessment Review - to seek views on how it should go ahead.
The Association responded to the consultation arguing that the industry had worked on developing fit for purpose qualifications that encompassed diverse assessment methods, and accessible education pathways which were critical for developing a skilled workforce.
The current suite of technical qualifications underpinned several industry frameworks, and their defunding could disrupt pathways to employment, limiting access for those who do not fit into the narrower options of T-Levels.
BALI stressed that both T Levels and existing technical qualifications at level 3 had a place in meeting the needs of meets the needs of learners, educators, and the wider industry.
At the end of last week (13 December 2024), the DfE announced that level 3 technical qualifications in the Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care (which includes landscaping qualifications) would keep their funding until 2027. However, it is still expecting to defund larger qualifications (with over 720 Guided Learning Hours) in 2027 subject to the recommendations of the Curriculum and Assessment Review. This means that all level 3 qualifications in the landbased sector will now keep their funding until 2027, which is good news in the short term. But there is still the desire to “direct” students down the T-Level route which means that further efforts will be needed to ensure funding post 2027.