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: | Specifications: | Join the Discussion: | Resources Available: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Science (AAQ) - H051, H151 | View Specification | Preview and buy now | |
| Computing: Application Development (AAQ) - H029, H129 | View specification | Facebook Group Teacher Survey | Preview and buy now |
| Engineering (AAQ) - H027, H127 | View specification | ||
| Health and Social Care (AAQ) - H025, H125 | View specification | Facebook Group | Preview and buy now |
| Human Biology (AAQ) - H049, H149 | View specification | ||
| IT: Data Analytics (AAQ) - H019, H119 | View specification | Facebook Group Teacher Survey | Preview and buy now |
The following extended certificates will become available for first teach in Cycle 2 (first teach Sept 2026):
| Qualification title: | Specifications: | Join the Discussion: |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security and Networks (AAQ) - H037, H137 - from 2026 | View draft specification | Facebook Group |
| Mental Health: Individuals and Society (AAQ) - H098, H198 - from 2026 | View draft specification | Facebook Group |
| Sport, Exercise and Health (AAQ) - from 2026 | Draft specification pending | Facebook Group |
Further 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, 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). 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 23.05.2025)