Level 3 Esports BTECs to Remain Funded Until 2027: A Victory for Learners and Educators
This week, the Department for Education (DfE) announced the results of the Review of Qualifications Reform at Level 3 in England. In a win for esports education and learners across the country, all Level 3 esports BTEC qualifications have been confirmed to remain funded for 16-19 learners in England for the academic years 2025/26 and 2026/27.
At ntesports, we are thrilled by this decision, which marks a significant step forward in recognising the value and importance of esports education. Managing Director Nik Turner expressed his excitement, emphasising the positive impact this will have on young people pursuing careers in the esports and gaming industries.
The government’s review acknowledges the vital role of skills development in driving opportunity and economic growth. The decision to maintain funding for esports BTECs underscores a commitment to providing learners with a diverse range of qualifications that align with industry needs and personal interests.
In the review, the government stated:
“We have a central mission to drive forward opportunity and growth, which relies on people having the skills needed to thrive in life and work. Growth and skills go hand in hand, and we are building a coherent, joined-up plan to make sure that we deliver both. … Our decisions make the position clear up to 2027.”
This decision highlights the recognition esports has gained as a legitimate and valuable educational pathway. Over the past four years, more than 13,000 students across 200 centres in three continents have enrolled in esports BTEC programmes, showcasing the growing demand and interest in these qualifications.
A Flexible Future for Learners:
One of the most notable aspects of the review is the government’s pragmatic approach to qualifications reform. The previously proposed rules limiting the combination of qualifications have been dropped, allowing educators and learners the flexibility to design study programmes that suit individual goals. This means students can mix esports BTECs with A-levels or other qualifications without restrictions, opening more pathways to success.
Nik Turner praised this move, saying, “This is a huge win for esports education. By giving students and educators the freedom to shape study programmes, we can better prepare young people for the diverse career opportunities within esports and the broader digital economy.”
Supporting Centres Through the Transition
While most Level 3 BTECs will remain funded, Pearson has confirmed that funding for some qualifications (not esports) may end after August 2025. To help centres navigate these changes, Pearson will provide sector-specific updates starting in January 2025, along with a series of events to guide educators through curriculum planning.
Pearson, along with British Esports will be hosting an update meeting for the BTEC in Esports on the 27th of January 2025 and if you’d like to attend you can register here.
Pearson’s updated ‘BTEC Level 3 Funding Guide for 16-19 Year Olds’ offers detailed information on the qualifications that will continue to receive funding.
You can download the full guide here.
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