Edexcel Qualifications

What is Edexcel ?

Edexcel is one of the leading examining and awarding bodies in the UK and throughout the world. They provide a wide range of qualifications including GCSEs, GCE AS and A levels; GNVQs, BTEC First, National, and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas; NVQs; Key Skills and Entry Qualifications and specific programmes for employers.

From the strict quality control standards for these courses have meant that the RGOTC was originally one of the first schools outside the UK to be allowed to offer BTEC Engineering qualification. Following many years of consistent high appraisal by visiting moderators, external verifiers and quality auditors from the UK, the college is now regarded by BTEC as a high quality 'Center of Excellence'

From 1986 onwards, BTEC course patterns at RGOTC were such that first Diploma level was covered in year 6 and 7, with national diploma course modules being available to suitable students in year 8 and 9.

When was the Edexcel formed?   

Edexcel was formed in 1996 by the merger of BTEC, the leading provider of vocational qualifications, and The University of London Examinations and Assessment Council (ULEAC), one of the major GCSE and GCE examining bodies.

In coming together they anticipated the growing desire for mixing academic and vocational study and the need for a more flexible system catering for a range of learners - whether they want to study for enjoyment, to lay the foundations for a career or to retrain for the modern market place or develop their skills for the future.

Edexcel is a charity and is committed to providing qualifications and support across the national framework which meet the needs of diverse learners. Their mission is to stimulate and recognise individual achievement throughout life, giving equal standing to academic and vocational success and promoting employability and personal development.

Key facts

• Edexcel qualifications are offered in over 6000 schools, 450 colleges and nearly 100 higher education establishments.
   
• Edexcel qualifications are also offered in over 500 Employer centres and 300 Training Providers. There are approximately two million registrations for Edexcel courses every year.
   
• Edexcel is the leading provider of modular A levels.
   
• 400,000 candidates receive BTEC qualifications each year.
   
• Edexcel provides the majority of GNVQs.
   
• They have thirteen offices throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland providing support and training to institutions in their area.
   
• Their qualifications can be found in over 100 countries from Austria to Zimbabwe.
    
• They run over 1,300 days of training support for teachers and lecturers each year.
   
• They support their qualifications and centres with over 2,000 publications.