Open Awards | Changing Lives Through Learning

Christmas Closure Information 2026

Open Awards offices will be closed from 23rd December - 4th January.

Information on Functional Skills Assessments, Apprenticeship Assessment/ EPA Knowledge Tests, Bookings and Results Releases can be found below.

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Open Awards welcomes the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside

"Thank you Heather Akehurst and team for the warm welcome, and for your hard work and impact. I look forward to supporting into the future." - Peter Oliver OBE, his Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside.

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Open Awards receives the Freedom of the City of Liverpool

“We are absolutely thrilled to learn that in our 45th year Open Awards has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool. Thank you to all our trustees and colleagues both past and present.” - Heather Akehurst OBE, our Chief Executive Officer

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Have your say: Apprenticeship Reforms

In light of recent Skills England announcements, we’d love to hear how you’re feeling about the reforms. Our short survey will help us understand what support you need most.

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We celebrate our 45 years with a visit from Maria Eagle MP

“Open Awards has been supporting learners in Liverpool Garston and beyond for 45 years, helping people gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress." - Maria Eagle MP, Member of Parliament for Liverpool Garston

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Functional Skills

Access to HE Diplomas

Apprenticeship Assessment

Vocational and Technical Qualifications

Essential Digital Skills

Badge of Excellence

Micro- credentials

Experienced Worker Assessment

Training and Events

Got a question? We’ve got an event to help.

From new provider training, to standardisation sessions and SEND forums, Open Awards’ community events are tailored to your needs.

Find out what we’ve got coming up.

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Attendees networking at an Open Awards event, talking together in a meeting space before a training session.

Latest News from Open Awards

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Beyond Open Awards: Colleagues Making a Difference as Trustees

Across Open Awards, colleagues volunteer their time, expertise and passion to support charities and community organisations as trustees. Here’s what being a trustee means to them. Geraint Turner – Trustee at Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen What inspired you to become a Trustee? I was actually coerced into not only being a Trustee but the chair […]

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Christmas Closure Information 2026

As we approach the festive period, we would like to share some important information about Open Awards’ operational arrangements over Christmas and New Year. Office Closure Open Awards offices will close at 15:00 on Wednesday 23 December 2026 and will reopen at 08:00 on Monday 4 January 2027. Remote Invigilation – Functional Skills Assessments […]

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Qualification Development Through Collaboration

Written by Irene Oliver, Product Development Manager (Qualifications and Assessments) Qualification development starts with an idea. As the idea can come from a wide range of sources, our product and business development teams are always working closely together and keeping the conversation going around ideas that may benefit from being developed into a regulated […]

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Is your teaching ready for the new V Level qualifications?

As the education and training landscape evolves with the introduction of new V Level qualifications, it’s essential that teaching, learning and assessment practices evolve with it. Our partners at Maxam Training are highlighting some of the key considerations for delivering qualifications with a stronger emphasis on the application of knowledge, transferable skills and work-related behaviours. […]

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Pharmacy Education

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Open Awards welcomes the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside

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Top 5 Curriculum Planning Tips for Education Providers

Written by Abigail Black, Business Development Account Manager Start with your learners Put your learners at the heart of your curriculum planning. Consider their starting points, needs, interests and aspirations. Think about how you can support clear progression into further study, employment or apprenticeships. Review whether your current offer meets the needs of the learners […]

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What Wales Needs Beyond GCSEs

Written by Geraint Turner, Business Development Manager for Wales. For generations, GCSEs have been one of the main ways we measure achievement at 16. They are familiar to learners, parents, schools, colleges and employers, and they will continue to have an important place in Welsh education. But as Wales changes the way young people […]

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How can you support yourself and others: advice from our Mental Health First Aiders

How can you support your colleagues, learners and yourself? To mark National Wellness Month this August, we asked our Mental Health First Aiders to share their experiences, advice and top tips on looking after yourself and others. Teri Greaves “I decided to become a Mental Health First Aider as I think it is really […]

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What I’ve Learnt from Visiting Our Providers

Written by Abigail Black, Business Development Account Manager Over the past few months, I’ve been spending more time meeting with our existing providers to discuss curriculum development and future opportunities. It’s been great to get out and see first-hand the qualifications they’re currently delivering, understand their priorities, and explore where there may be opportunities for growth. Every conversation is different, […]

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