Open Awards | Changing Lives Through Learning

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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A pink background features large white text that reads "functional skills" in two lines, with "functional" above "skills." In the top right corner, two thick, curved, light purple lines create an abstract, intertwined shape.

Purple square with pink thread. Text reads: 'access to HE'.

The image displays the words "apprenticeship assessment" in bold white text against a deep purple background. A thick, curving light pink line is visible across the top and upper right side of the image.

The image has a solid purple background with "vocational and technical qualifications" written in bold white text, left-aligned. A thick, looping green line is present in the bottom left, partially obscuring the lower part of the text, and extends towards the right.

A light pink background with large white text that reads "essential digital skills" in three lines. In the upper right corner, a thick, wavy light purple line curls into the frame, resembling a stylized "S" shape. The image has slightly rounded corners.

A dark purple background features large white text that reads "badge of excellence" in two lines. In the upper right corner, a thick, light pink ribbon-like shape curves downwards and to the left, extending off the frame. The image has slightly rounded corners.

The image features the text "micro-credentials" in white, bold, sans-serif font, aligned to the left against a deep purple background. A thick, curving light pink line is visible across the top of the image.

The image features the text "experienced worker assessment" in white, bold, sans-serif font, aligned to the left against a vibrant purple background. In the upper right corner, a thick, bright green, abstract curved line is visible.

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.

Click ‘Explore’ to find out what we’ve got coming up.

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A group of five people are socializing in what appears to be an office or event space. On the left, two men are conversing, one holding a drink. In the center, a woman with long, curly brown hair, seen from behind, is talking to two bald men on the right. One of the bald men is smiling broadly, while the other is looking at the woman. There's a table with some snacks in the foreground on the left.

Latest News from Open Awards

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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 […]

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 […]

Study Programmes – The Perfect Foundation for Future Success

Study Programmes – The Perfect Foundation for Future Success For learners aged 16–18, Study Programmes offer an excellent opportunity to build confidence, develop essential skills, and prepare for the next stage of education. At The City of Liverpool College, these programmes combine academic learning with practical experience, creating a well-rounded approach that supports progression into […]

Department for Education congratulates Open Awards on 45th anniversary

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 […]

Are you protecting your learners’ data?

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 […]

Apprenticeship Reforms Update: December 2025

You may be aware this week there have been some apprenticeship assessment announcements and publications from Skills England; a blog explaining the apprenticeship assessment reforms, the interim version of the General Requirements document and the initial group of standards to be reviewed. Please see the links below: Understanding the apprenticeship assessment reforms and what they […]

Year in Review 2025

2025 has been a landmark year for Open Awards. From launching micro-credentials to introducing new regulated qualifications, we’ve continued to shape the future of education and skills development. Our commitment to learners, providers, and employers remains at the heart of everything we do. Key Highlights from 2025 38,000+ learners certificated, including 2,472 Access to HE learners Launch of micro-credentials with digital […]

World Access to Higher Education Day 2025: Innovation, Opportunity and Lifelong Learning

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 […]

The Children’s Plan and EHCP Reform: Opportunities and Risks Ahead

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 […]

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