In response to claims made by Civitas, an OCR spokesperson said:

"Civitas is wrong. OCR Nationals incorporate inherently practical, applied learning - founded on a solid base of knowledge and understanding.

"OCR has never claimed it fully prepares somebody for work in that sector - any more than a GCSE in an academic subject equips you to become a University don in a discipline.

"All the Nationals were supported by the relevant Sector Skills Councils.

"Sector based Nationals give students an insight into work in a particular sector and a platform on which learners can make a more informed decision about their future career. Practical ICT skills demanded by almost every business in the UK are delivered by an OCR National course.

"The specific sectors covered are Business, Media, Public Services, Health & Social Care, Travel and Tourism. Generic areas applicable to a number of sectors are Art & Design, ICT and Science."

Notes to editors

Despite claims made by Civitas, OCR does not have a National in Hospitality.

For further information, please call Bene't Steinberg or Rebecca Birkett-Smith.

Case studies

• OCR Nationals case study - Bishop Stopford (PDF, 1 MB)
• OCR Nationals case study - Brooke Weston (PDF, 148 KB)
• OCR Nationals case study - Kingshurst (PDF, 140 KB)
• OCR Nationals case study - McAuley (PDF, 1 MB)
• OCR Nationals case study - Plantsbrook (PDF, 1 MB)
• OCR Nationals case study - South Staffs (PDF, 150 KB)
• OCR Nationals case study - Telford (PDF, 150 KB)
• OCR Nationals case study - Whitby (PDF, 1 MB)