How do you store your learners’ data?   In our digital world, assessment evidence, feedback and grades may only exist in digital form. When this data is not properly backed up, learners can lose access to the evidence they need to complete or be awarded their qualification. The following scenarios, while hypothetical, highlight what’s at stake when we fail to protect our learners’ data.   The importance of submitting evidence: Sam’s story  Sam registered with […]

World Access to Higher Education Day 2025 Widening Access to Higher Education in the Liverpool City Region: Innovation, Opportunity and Lifelong Learning.   Tuesday 28th October 2025 marks World Access to Higher Education Day – an annual event that aims to provide opportunities for conversations at international, regional and local level, discussing the inequalities in Higher Education access […]

Written by Nina Hinton, Director of Business and Development  The Children’s Commissioner’s Children’s Plan (September 2025) calls for an education system that is inclusive by design. At its core are proposed reforms to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) that could reshape how schools, colleges, and other providers support children with additional needs.  The report highlights several key themes:  Providers […]

Education Insights is nearly here and we’re delighted to share some of our expert speakers ahead of time. Discover our speakers, their insights and how to get in touch with them below. Tom Reynolds About Tom: As a post-degree-diagnosed dyslexic, Tom Reynolds is a passionate advocate for equitable and inclusive education. With over 20 years’ […]

Welsh education is changing. Over the next three years, the Welsh government are implementing a series of changes to Welsh qualifications. Here’s what you need to know.   Mae addysg yng Nghymru yn newid. Dros y tair blynedd nesaf, bydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithredu cyfres o newidiadau i gymwysterau Cymru. Dyma’r hyn sydd angen i chi ei wybod.    What are the reforms?   The National 14-16 reforms are designed to improve standards and ensure that Welsh learners become ‘qualified for the future’.   The reforms are designed […]

Co-written by Julie Goodwin, Head of Development and Vicky McClymont, Marketing and Access to HE Development Manager    When we regulate Level 3 qualifications at Open Awards, UCAS automatically generates points for these qualifications and adds the qualification to the official Tariff tables.  The purpose of the Tariff is to enable higher education providers to draw high-level comparisons between […]

Written by Teri Greaves, Business Development Manager at Open Awards    I recently attended the AELP National Conference, where I had the opportunity to engage with a range of providers on apprenticeships, qualifications, and sector updates.  AELP shared important changes they’ve been lobbying for—most notably, the removal of the mandatory Maths and English requirement for […]

The past six months in the apprenticeship landscape have felt like gazing into a crystal ball. We think we can see the future. But the image in the crystal ball is layered with mist, shifting shapes, and hidden details. Since the Department for Education’s announcement during National Apprenticeship Week in February, we’ve seen a steady […]

Written by Nina Hinton, Director of Business and Development   Thursday 19th June was a day of celebration at Open Awards as we held our Annual General Meeting. This year’s event was especially significant as we mark 20 years of trading as Open Awards (formerly Open College Network, North-West Region). It was a moment to reflect […]

We are delighted to announce our next education summit. Join us on the 2nd of October for a full day of education insights. After the success of last year’s AI summit, we knew we wanted to continue hosting community events. Yet, we knew that we needed to expand our format to respond to the complex […]