Withdrawal of AS/A Level Electronics (H065, H465)

Following a review of qualifications available for redevelopment for first teaching in 2017, OCR has made the difficult decision not to redevelop AS and A Levels in Electronics. We know that this will be disappointing news for teachers. 

We offer as broad a range of qualifications to support teachers and students as possible. However, on-going reform by government and the exams regulator, low levels of uptake and challenging economic climate in which OCR is operating, mean that AS and A Levels in Electronics will no longer be available through OCR following the final assessment series in June 2018 and resits in June 2019. As a not for profit organisation, this is a difficult decision based on managing our commitments to reach as many teachers and learners as possible. 

We will continue to support and assess the current qualifications up to the conclusion of the final assessment series.

OCR has a range of other subjects available that have been redeveloped for first teaching in 2015 and 2016. We are currently developing other AS, A Level and GCSE subjects for first teach in 2017 e.g. AS/A Level Design and Technlogy and our AS/A Level Mathematics suite.

For centres looking for an alternative GCE Level course to replace our AS/A Level Electronics qualifications, we would recommend our new Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Engineering, available in a variety of Certificate and Diploma sizes. These qualifications provide learners with the opportunity through applied learning to develop core principles and specialist knowledge and understanding required in the engineering sector. At Diploma level learners also develop further skills by completing a range of units through a choice of specialist pathways, including Electrical and electronic engineering. 

The Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Engineering have been developed with employers and universities, ensuring the skills and knowledge students will acquire are relevant to work and further study in this sector. They also have UCAS points, supporting progression to higher education. 

AS and A Level Electronics are currently being redeveloped by other awarding bodies. Information on providers of general qualifications can be found on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.

For further information on deadlines for submitting entries, entry amendments/withdrawals and the submission of marks for internal assessment please see the Admin guide: 14-19 qualifications on the OCR website.

If you have any queries about this notice, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 01223 553998 or email general.qualifications@ocr.org.uk