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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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

Written by Clare Filipowicz, Quality and Standards Adviser (QASA). On Pharmacy Technician Day, it feels particularly fitting not only to celebrate the contribution pharmacy technicians make every day, but also to reflect on the people entering and progressing through our pharmacy workforce. At Open Awards, we’ve recently completed our annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion review [...]

We were delighted to welcome His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Peter Oliver OBE, to Open Awards on 8 October.  As The King’s representative in Merseyside, Peter works with communities and organisations across the region, helping to celebrate their achievements and the difference they make.   The visit was an opportunity to introduce the Lord-Lieutenant to our [...]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

Today we have received the news from the Department for Education that the proposed withdrawal of funding for Access to HE learners aged 16-19 has been reviewed, and that funding for learners aged 18 and above will now be maintained. DfE notes that “Access to HE Diplomas are an important pathway designed to support adults […]