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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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]