We’re Launching AAQs for First Teach from September 2026!
Aidan Cocker, Customer Service Specialist and Karis Roberts, Customer Service Team Leader
We’ve never been ones to stand still. Since we started back in 2013, we’ve been driven by innovation – pioneering digital assessment in Functional Skills and continually expanding our portfolio of qualifications and end-point assessment standards.
More than a decade later, that commitment hasn’t changed and after months of hard graft across our teams, we’re proud to share that we’ve been approved to deliver Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs), ready for first teach in September 2026.
What are AAQs?
AAQs are Level 3 vocational qualifications that have been created as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) reform of the post-16 qualifications landscape. They can be taken as standalone qualifications or alongside A Levels as part of a mixed study programme.
AAQs come in two sizes. Certificates are smaller qualifications that are broadly equivalent to half an A Level, while Extended Certificates are larger qualifications that are broadly equivalent to a full A Level.
The new qualifications offer focused and practical learning, aid clearer progression through to higher education or employment, and give employers greater assurance that candidates have the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to succeed in the workplace.
What are TQUK’s AAQs?
We’re happy to announce that we’ve been approved for four AAQ Extended Certificates in the following subjects:
Sport and Exercise Science
IT and Computing
Health and Social Care
Design, Engineer and Construct in the Digital Built Environment
TQUK Managing Director Andrew Walker said: “AAQs represent the next step in the TQUK story. We’ve been passionate about adult learning since the very start, but we’ve also wanted to be part of the 16-19 journey too.
“Our AAQ portfolio takes us into areas we haven’t explored before, like Sport and Exercise Science, whilst continuing our excellent work in vital areas such as health and social care, and the built environment.
“This is just the beginning – not just of our AAQs, but also the expansion of our product line! Look out for more in the next few months!”
Katie Orr, Chief Regulatory Officer and Responsible Officer at TQUK, said: “The Department for Education’s post-16 review showed the importance of streamlining the qualifications landscape.
“AAQs are a vital part of this, offering school leavers clearer pathways to higher education and employment, and employers greater assurance that candidates have the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to thrive in the workplace.
“I’m proud of our all our teams, but particularly our Qualifications, Assessment and Quality and Compliance departments, who have worked tirelessly to develop these qualifications.
“I can’t wait to see them delivered by our training providers from next September!”
Find out more about our Alternative Academic Qualifications provision on our AAQs page.