Building the future of education with AAQs
The evolving qualifications landscape holds new opportunities for centres, employers and learners.
Tom Bescoby, Account Manager, and Ellie Daffern, Sales Manager - Existing Business
We've always made it our mission to be at the forefront of industry reforms and emerging qualifications. That's why we're excited to be adding Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) to our portfolio, ready for launch at the start of the 26/27 academic year.
What are AAQs?
AAQs are a new kind of qualification designed to help learners move into higher education with a greater sense of clarity and purpose. They sit alongside Technical Occupation Qualifications (TOQs) as part of significant reforms of the post-16 qualifications landscape.
Alternative Academic Qualifications are scholarly in nature and designed to support progression to further and higher education. So, if learners want to head to university, this is the route for them.
Technical Occupation Qualifications develop technical skills and some have an element of work experience to them. Learners who want to get into the workplace sooner rather than later are best taking this route.
AAQs come in two different sizes:
Small AAQs can feature between 150 and 420 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). Our small AAQs have been designed to be studied alongside A levels in a mixed study programme and have 360GLHs (equivalent to an A level).
Large AAQs can have either 720 or 1080GLHs and are designed to be studied on their own (1080GLH only) or alongside one A level (720GLH only).
TQUK’s AAQ suite
Our Cycle 1 Small AAQ Qualifications in Engineering, Health and Social Care, IT & Computing and Sport & Exercise Science have been approved for first teach from September 2026.
Click the links to download our qualification specifications and factsheets.
Design, Engineer, and Construct
> Factsheet
> Qualification Specification
Health & Social Care
> Factsheet
> Qualification Specification
IT & Computing
> Factsheet
> Qualification Specification
Sport & Exercise Science
> Factsheet
> Qualification Specification
Want to keep up with all the latest? Complete the form and we’ll drop you regular updates on our AAQ provision.
What are the post-16 reforms?
Over the past few years, the Department for Education (DfE) has been reviewing the post-16 qualifications landscape to create a clearer and more streamlined system. Through extensive collaboration with stakeholders, it became evident that the current framework was causing confusion - learners struggled to understand how different qualifications supported progression, and employers found it difficult to identify candidates with the right skills.
To address these challenges, a new system is being introduced, aiming to enhance the value of learning and strengthen pathways into careers. This process is already underway and follows a phased approach.
Latest updates on post-16 reforms
Cycle 1 AAQs
The first set of AAQs approved by the DfE will proceed for first teaching in September 2025.
Additional Cycle 1 AAQs
The DfE has approved a limited window for further AAQs to be added to Cycle 1 for first teaching in September 2026..
Curriculum & Assessment Review
A full review of Level 3 and below qualifications has been put on hold while the DfE conducts a broader Curriculum & Assessment Review. The outcomes of this review are expected later this year. Cycle 2 AAQs and Large AAQs are on hold and being included in this review.
