A good study programme will offer students breadth and depth in their study and content relevant to their next step, whether that is progression to future study or sustainable employment. Vocational study programmes must always have a core aim. This is usually the main qualification in the study programme and the one with the largest number of planned hours.
From September 2014, only substantive qualifications that meet government defined criteria will count in KS5 performance tables. The 2016 Cambridge Technicals suite has been designed to meet the DfE’s Technical Guidance for inclusion on the KS5 performance points list from 2018, this includes a minimum percentage of mandatory content and a minimum percentage of externally assessed units. Cambridge Technicals in Engineering is part of the 2016 suite but will be available for first teaching from 2015 and will meet requirements for inclusion on the KS5 performance points list from 2017. The 2012 Cambridge Technicals suite is also included in the programme builder. This suite does not meet the Department for Educations Technical Guidance – so it doesn't gain Key Stage Performance Points after 2017.
A one year programme should be around 600 glh in total and a minimum of 540 glh.
A two year programme should be around 1200 glh in total and a minimum of 1080 glh.