Post updated September 1st 2024.

Level 3 Reform and AAQs

In July 2024, following the general election, the new government announced a pause to Level 3 qualifications reform and the defunding of qualifications at that level. The pause will provide a short period for review, and that review will conclude before the end of the year. In the meantime, RSL would like to confirm what our plans are based on our understanding of the landscape and the likely direction of travel for Level 3.

We do understand the past period has created a tremendously uncertain and complex situation for all of our England-based VQ delivery centres, their staff, and learners, but it is our mission to continue to provide qualifications that are accessible, relevant, and flexible, and that crucially continue to allow students to develop skills and knowledge that are reflective of the needs of today’s creative industries.

RSLs New Suite of AAQs

If the planned reform of Level 3 qualifications continues as was intended prior to the recently announced review, RSL has readied a new suite of specifications that will maintain our position as the leading awarding organisation for future facing, practical assessment for the creative industries.

From 2026, at Level 3, alongside A Levels and T Levels, there will be a third category of qualifications in our sector.

Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) are qualifications designed to allow progression into Higher Education, imparting relevant knowledge and skills to allow learners to flourish when they move into Level 4 and beyond.

From September 2026, RSL aims to have AAQs available in the following subject areas;

Single AAQs (360 hours) in:

• Performing Arts
• Music
• Music Production & Technology
• Media
• Production Arts
• Art and Design

Triple AAQs (1080 hours) in:

• Performing Arts
• Music
• Music Production & Technology
• Production Arts
• Art, Design and Digital Practice

AAQs will look different in terms of structure from our current Vocational Qualification specifications; however, RSL is determined to maintain our ethos of designing relevant and accessible qualifications for the creative industries. We will demonstrate how your current provision can map over into the new structure, and we will support centres in that transition.

While we wait for the government to complete their short review, if you have any questions about our new specifications, qualifications we offer at other levels, or indeed anything else RSL related, please contact business@rslawards.com