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Below you can find our perspective on all the recent government updates, sector-wide trends and policy changes.
Access to HE in Action: What the UCAS Application Data Tells Us About Opportunity and Progression
Written by Vicky McClymont, Access to HE Development Manager at Open Awards Each year, UCAS undergraduate application data offers valuable insight into who is progressing to higher education and how. For the Access to HE Diploma, the 2024 cycle reinforced what the sector already recognises: the Access to HE qualification continues to play a […]
Closer to Your Reality: Why My Work as a School Governor Matters to You
Written by Paul Henderson-Griffiths, Director of Service Delivery As Open Awards customers (schools, colleges, and training providers) you rightly expect awarding organisations to understand the realities you face every day. In my role as Director of Service Delivery, I see it as essential that our decisions are shaped not just by policy and regulation, but by genuine insight into […]
Collaboration is Key on National Numeracy Day
Written by Kay Taylor, EQA for FSQ (English and Maths) Each year, National Numeracy Day shines a spotlight on the importance of numbers in everyday life, and this year’s theme is “Count on Your Community”. This highlights a powerful idea: improving numeracy isn’t something you have to do alone. Communities (whether families, workplaces, classrooms, or local groups) play a crucial role in […]
Pharmacy Technicians are making a real difference in mental health
During Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s worth recognising the people who keep services running day to day and this includes Pharmacy Technicians. Having worked as a Pharmacy Technician for just short of 30 years, I’ve seen just how much the role has changed. In the past, the focus was mostly on dispensing medicines. While that remains important, the role today is so much more. In hospitals, Pharmacy Technicians now support […]
How to prepare for a FAB-tastic Final Awards Board (FAB)
Written by Maria Karsa, Quality and Standards Advisor The moment we’ve all been working towards is almost here. Learners completing their Access to Higher Education Diplomas are preparing to take their next step into higher education, and your role in that journey has never been more important. At the centre of this exciting milestone is the Final Awards Board (FAB). When everything runs smoothly, […]
SEND reform is an opportunity, but only if it works in practice
Written by Nina Hinton, Director of Business and Development Attending the Bridging the SEND Transition Collective event (hosted by FE News and the Education and Training Foundation) last week reinforced something many already know: the system isn’t short of ambition, but it is still catching up with the realities learners face. SEND reform in England […]
Open Awards receives the Freedom of the City of Liverpool
We are beyond delighted to announce that Open Awards has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool, one of the highest civic honours the city can bestow. The award, also known as the Freedom Roll of Associations, recognises organisations and individuals who have had a remarkable positive impact on the local community and […]
Opening Doors to Learning: The Open Awards Story
Open Awards has its roots within the Open College Network. The story of the Open College Network is one of innovation shaping national policy, with Open Awards, then OCNNWR, as one of the pioneers. The first Open College Network (OCN) emerged in Manchester in 1981 as the Manchester Open College Federation, set up to recognise the learning of adults returning to […]
NCW National Conference 2026 Recap
Written by Teri Greaves, Business Development Manager. I attended the National Careers Week event in York on 4 March 2026, hosted at the STEM Learning Centre. The day started well—with sunshine, great music, and Yorkshire Tea—and only improved from there. The focus of the day was on ensuring young people are presented with opportunities and have […]
Open Awards celebrates 45th birthday with visit from Maria Eagle MP
We were delighted to welcome Maria Eagle MP, Member of Parliament for Liverpool Garston, to our office on the 27th of February as part of Open Awards’ 45th birthday celebrations. Maria Eagle has long been a supporter of education and skills for local communities. During her visit, she discussed the future of education, including the Skills Bill, the newly announced SEND […]