OCR Level 3 Cambridge Advanced Nationals (AAQs)
The level 3 qualification landscape is changing and undergoing major reform with now two routes available:- Academic qualifications: Support progression to further/higher education (e.g. A Levels and BTEC's)
- Technical Qualifications: Support progression to skilled employment/further technical training (e.g. T Levels and occupational entry level qualificaitons)
A Levels will continue to form the core of the academic pathway, but new Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) will continue to be available for many subject areas. These will mostly be small (equivalent to 1 A Level), but for subjects where there are no T Levels (e.g. Sport and Performing Arts Large AAQs (equivalent to 2-3 A Levels) will exist. The government has confirmed (Dec 2024) that they will not limit student choice to just one AAQ.
The following extended certificates will become available for first teach in Cycle 1 (first teach Sept 2025):
| Qualification title: | Approved Specifications: | |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Science (AAQ) - H051, H151 | Download Approved Specification | |
| Computing: Application Development (AAQ) - H029, H129 | Download Approved Specification | Facebook Group: App Dev Teacher Survey |
| Engineering (AAQ) - H027, H127 | Download Approved Specification | |
| Health and Social Care - H025, H125 | Download Approved Specification | Facebook Group: Health & Social Care |
| Human Biology - H049, H149 | Download Approved Specification | |
| IT: Data Analytics (AAQ) - H019, H119 | Download Approved Specification | Facebook Group: Data Analytics Teacher Survey |
N.B for a list of AAQ qualifications being rolled out in 2025+, go to: OCR.
Subjects due in Cycle 2 (first teach September 2026), which are subject to DfE approval include: Digital Media, Performing Arts, Sport, Innovation and Enterprise, Criminology, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sustainability. Also available are BTEC Nationals (AAQ) from Pearson.
To actively engage in discussions, collaborations, or reviews related to this qualification, sign up on PublishMeNow.co.uk or join the Facebook groups (where available): Facebook Group: Sport (2026). This way, you can actively participate in the development of resources for the new OCR Cambridge Advanced Nationals (AAQs).
This page will be updated as and when new information is released (last updated 16.12.2024)