OCR Level 3 Cambridge Advanced Nationals (AAQs)
The level 3 qualification landscape underwent major reform under the previous Conservative government with three routes available:- Academic qualifications: Support progression to further/higher education (e.g. A Levels and BTEC's)
- New Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) replacing many BTEC Nationals and OCR Technicals. These are available as 150/180 GLH Certificates (AS Level size) and 360 GLH Extended Certificates (A Level size).
- Technical Qualifications: Support progression to skilled employment/further technical training (e.g. T Levels and occupational entry level qualificaitons)
The current Labour government, further to their education review, have indicated that they will be initiating new Level 3 qualifications called V Levels. Some will be major updates and restructuring of existing level 3 vocational qualifications, some may be a re-branding of AAQs. We await the publications of the new specifications to find out.
The following certificates / extended certificates became available for first teaching in September 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 | Facebook Group | Preview and buy now |
| IT: Data Analytics (AAQ) - H019, H119 | View specification | Facebook Group Teacher Survey | Preview and buy now |
The following certificates / extended certificates begin for first teaching in September 2026:
| Qualification title: | Specifications: | Join the Discussion: |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security and Networks (AAQ) - H037, H137 | View specification | Facebook Group |
| Mental Health: Individuals and Society (AAQ) - H098, H198 | View specification | Facebook Group |
The intention is to develop Cambridge Advanced Nationals in the following subjects, which are subject to DfE approval:
| Qualification title: | Specifications: | Join the Discussion: |
|---|---|---|
| Sport, Exercise and Health (AAQ) | Draft specification pending | Facebook Group |
| Creative Media Production (AAQ) | Draft specification pending | |
| Enerprise and Innovation (AAQ) | Draft specification pending | |
| Marketing (AAQ) | Draft specification pending | |
| Policing and Criminal Justice (AAQ) | Draft specification pending |
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).