We regulate at all levels, from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the National Curriculum up to higher-level vocational qualifications equivalent to a PhD. These assessments and qualifications are collected into separate systems (or frameworks): the National Curriculum and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)/National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Higher education qualifications, such as degrees, are the responsibility of the Quality Assurance Agency.
Find out more information on the different types of qualification:
We have also published a range of individual qualification guides to help students and parents understand more about the qualifications on offer.
View the qualification guides.
We regulate vocational qualifications (VQs) in England and Northern Ireland. Vocational qualifications are designed to allow learners to learn in a way that suits them, and give learners the skills that employers are looking for.
A qualification is intended to show employers, teachers and learners what someone has learnt and can do as a result of that achievement.
Click the diagram to the left to find out more about the key characteristics of recognised qualifications.
Important dates in the education calendar can be found in our key dates section.
The National Curriculum sets out the learning objectives for everyone educated at a state school, up to age 16. The EYFS provides learning and development objectives for children from birth to five years old.
We have specific duties to keep under review all aspects of National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage Assessments in England. We refer to these assessments as National Assessment arrangements.
Read more about National Assessment arrangements.
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a structure that clearly shows how the different types of qualifications interrelate and allows credit from assessments to be transferred flexibly between qualifications.
We work with the government, the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) and awarding organisations to agree this framework. We're responsible for regulating QCF qualifications and assessments to maintain standards.
Find out more information about the QCF.
In England qualifications have traditionally been defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which included all general and vocational qualifications accredited from 1997. The NQF consists of Entry level to level 8, describing the difficulty of qualifications at each level. Many qualifications are being transferred to the Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF), which uses a credit based system to recognise qualification size and gives a more flexible approach to learners' needs.
Find out more about the NQF.
The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is an overarching qualifications framework that links the qualifications of different countries together. It acts as a translation device to make qualifications easier to understand across different countries and systems in Europe.
Ofqual in partnership with CCEA is the National Coordination Point for the EQF. The NCP provides guidance and understanding on how national qualifications frameworks relate to the EQF.
Read more about the EQF.
We have published an update on the changes to GCSEs.
Following the passing of the Education Act 2011, we are today…
Ofqual can today confirm that no further exam papers scheduled for…