Our OCR Nationals suite of qualifications is currently undergoing a re-development process which will see a number of changes and improvements made to the qualifications before they become available for first teaching in September 2010.

This re-development is necessary so that they are approved to the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

We have taken this opportunity to review and update content within the qualifications to ensure continued practical relevancy and learner engagement. To this end, we recently carried out in-depth research with the teaching community and extensive consultation has taken place with a range of stakeholders, including Ofqual, QCDA, JACQA and the Sector Skills Councils. As a result of this extensive dialogue, we will now be focusing on re-development activities over the next 12 months, including:

• Like-for-like developments – OCR Nationals will continue to be available in the same subjects and levels as before.
• Limited changes to content - updating where and when required.
• Changes to presentation so that OCR Nationals align with the requirements of the QCF.
• New specifications being made available at Easter/early summer term.
• Support materials, such as model assignments, being ready for September 2010.

Our expected Development Timetable for OCR Nationals is:

• Now - January - Development of specifications and liaison with Regulators.
• End January 2010 - Expected accreditation.
• April 2010 - Expected confirmation of funding.
• May - June 2010 - OCR Inset meetings.
• September 2010 - First teaching.

To obtain further updates, please continue to use our OCR Nationals website

Information the Government's intentions for 14-19 reform from 2013 can be found on the JACQA (Joint Advisory Committee for Qualifications Approval) website.

JACQA have also advised on what the changes mean for Learners, Awarding Organisations, Schools, Colleges and other providers.