Episode 3 - Defunded Not Derailed: Alternatives for Level 3 Science Qualifications

Episode 3 - Defunded Not Derailed: Alternatives for Level 3 Science Qualifications

About This Event

Episode Date: Thursday 26th March 2026

Science is one of the most critical subject areas in post-16 education, feeding directly into healthcare, engineering, laboratory sciences and dozens of other STEM careers. But as large applied qualifications are phased out, many colleges are asking the same question: what does strong Level 3 science provision actually look like from here?

In Episode Three of Defunded, Not Derailed, we turn from the broader curriculum picture to a specific subject area that affects thousands of learners every year. What qualification options are currently available to colleges? How can science departments maintain clear progression routes into university and technical careers? And what might the introduction of V Levels, starting with digital, education and finance from 2027, signal for science-related curriculum planning down the line?

Gavin O'Meara is joined by Amy Brewer, Science Subject Advisor at Cambridge OCR, Catherine Walls, Curriculum Manager for Science at Derby College, and Matt Ridgill, Vice Principal: Academic Education at Derby College, to explore how science specialists are navigating reform on the ground and what curriculum leaders should be considering now.

Defunded Not Derailed was produced by FE News in partnership with Cambridge OCR.

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