Core Aim

Good question! Is the BTEC substantially more of their programme than each A Level? If it's something like 40% BTEC, 30% A level 1, 30% A Level 2, then I'd probably have the BTEC as the core. If it's properly a third each, kind of toss a coin?

In terms of funding, depending on the BTEC, it could have a minor effect eventually because the programme weighting factor in the lagged funding methodology is based on core aims and A Levels don't have any uplift, whereas if it was an engineering or performing arts or catering (etcetcetc) BTEC, that would provide a small bump to the overall PWF in two years time.

Hi Sarah,

To carry on from what Steve has said near R14, I re-look through my Core Aims to spot anything that could influence our retention factor. 

Right now you may have a hybrid vocational/a level learner who are on all 2-year courses.

Diploma Performing Arts Vocational -175 hours - last day of attendance 24/06/2025 
A Level Biology - 175 hours - last day of attendance 04/07/2025
A Level Music - 175 hours - last day of attendance - 28/06/2025

'When students are on a 2 year programme and they complete the first year, they 
will be counted as retained in that academic year. We define completing the first year as
being in learning on the last working day in June.'

Therefore in the scenario above, I would be changing the Core Aim from the weighted vocational course, to the A Level Biology to maximise the retention factor because it will give you more funding. 

In addition, if you have any programmes which have 1-year certificates alongside 2-year a levels & the learner withdraws from all on 24/06/2025 but the certificate is "completed" I would change my Core Aim to this. 

* We keep our planned hours for these 'A Level Equivalent' subjects the same as an A Level. It fits in better with timetabling but in scenarios like this, where courses are of equal hours, you can find yourself in a position to increase your uplifts with the same data-set. 

I have heard people recommend picking a Core Aim that reflects the study programme total so in my example above pick one of the A Levels because the majority of hours are A Level driven. I'm not sure if this is a thing? Never has come up in audit for me & isn't in the funding guidance?