Department for Education congratulates Open Awards on 45th anniversary
January 22, 2026
We are proud to share a letter received from Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills in the Department for Education congratulating Open Awards on our 45th anniversary.
The letter recognises our journey from the Open College Network to an Ofqual regulated awarding body and highlights our commitment to making education accessible to all.

It also reflects on the impact of our work across skills development, healthcare, SEND provision, prison and offender learning, and adult vocational education.
Read the letter below.
