A level England: Quality Indicator Subject update

A Level & AS Level Strategic Indicators in Connect and Summit have been updated to align with DfE Subject Categorisation rules from September 2026, i.e. all monitoring gradepoints from September 2026 onwards.

Summary

A level and AS level strategic indicators will be updated so that qualification categorisation matches DfE rules. L3 Core Maths (an Academic, non-A-level qualification) and the LIBF Diploma/Certificate in Financial Studies (Applied General qualifications) will no longer be counted within A level or AS level strategic indicators, including the Quality Indicator (QI) scores and grades. This will take place from monitoring for new cohorts for the 2026/27 academic year.

Why this is changing

L3 Core Maths and the LIBFs have been historically included in strategic indicators across the Alps analysis platforms. Because these qualifications are not A levels under DfE classification, their inclusion puts our indicators out of step with DfE reporting — and skews value-added outcomes for schools and colleges with larger cohorts taking these qualifications.

Note: There will be no change to the calculation of the 2026 examination results. The strategic indicators, including the QI will still include the LIBF and L3 Core Maths. This is to ensure that your monitoring across the 2025/26 academic year towards the examinations remains as consistent as possible with final outcomes.

What's changing

A level strategic indicators

AS level strategic indicators

The subject value-added will remain in the A level report for the time being, but the analysis will be at subject level only and will not count toward headline figures.