Following responses to its consultation, Ofqual has confirmed the arrangements for withdrawing the QCF. The QCF rules will be withdrawn and the unit bank closed on 30 September 2015. On 1 October 2015 a new framework for all Ofqual-regulated qualifications will be introduced - the Regulated Qualifications Framework. 

“When we reviewed the QCF last year, we found that the rules placed too much focus on structure, and not enough on validity, and that they were not flexible enough to meet the variety of needs covered by vocational qualifications” says Ofqual, finding much support for proposals to remove the QCF rules.

Ofqual claim that it’s unlikely that centres will see much difference in most qualifications as a result of these changes, at least in the short term, but that changes to how the size and level of demand of qualifications are described will be introduced.

Charlotte Bosworth, OCR's Director of Skills and Employment, said: “We welcome the announcement from Ofqual confirming the date for the withdrawal of the QCF rules.  We are pleased with the outcomes of the Ofqual consultation on withdrawing the QCF. The results show that the consultation was true and that feedback has been taken on board, particularly for elements like TQT (total qualification time), where a pragmatic approach, which we advocated, has been adopted.   

We have consistently supported the withdrawal of the QCF, indeed many of the findings of Ofqual’s review echo the concerns we raised at the introduction of the framework."  

More information on the technical aspects of the changes and on the publication of new rules for exam boards will follow next month.

https://ofqual.blog.gov.uk/2015/08/06/regulating-for-valid-vocational-qualifications/