The DfE has updated their post-16 pathways: implementation plan to confirm funding will be maintained for qualifications that are 2 A Levels in size (720 GLH) in V Level subject areas for the 2027 to 2028 academic year.

This means the Cambridge OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in IT (2016) will remain funded for new starts until 31 July 2028 in England.

There is no change to the previously announced withdrawal of funding in August 2027 for the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in IT (2016) and Cambridge Advanced Nationals in IT, Computing and Cyber Security (see below). The last date for new starts remains 31 July 2027.

Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in IT (2016)

• Funding for the Level 3 Diploma in IT is being extended into 2027/28 and remains funded in England for new starts in September 2027.
• The Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT last date for new starts remains 31 July 2027 and is not funded in England for new starts in September 2027.

We’ll be updating our Level 3 qualification funding guide to reflect this change shortly.

Wales and Northern Ireland

Schools and colleges in Wales and Northern Ireland are not impacted by the funding changes to Cambridge Technicals in England for 2027/28.

The Diploma and Extended Diploma in IT (2016) are not designated (funded) in Wales. We are in the process of extending the other size qualifications that are currently designated so they can continue to be available for a September 2027 start for new cohorts in Wales.

Cambridge Advanced Nationals

There is no change to the previously announced withdrawal of funding for new starts in August 2027 for our Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing: Application Development, IT: Data Analytics and Cyber Security.

A V Level in digital systems and data will be introduced for first teach September 2027.

For Cambridge Advanced Nationals in this subject, the last date for new starts remains 31 July 2027. This means the qualifications are not funded for new starts in September 2027.

Funding removal only affects new students - students that have already started a qualification will continue to be funded:

If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email support@ocr.org.uk.

Qualifications

• Information Technology
• Computing Application Development - H029, H129 (from 2025)
• IT: Data Analytics - H019, H119 (from 2025)
• Cyber Security - H037, H137 (from 2026)