Further Information/Guidance

Criteria for Approval

1. The principles for the approval of external qualifications under sections 96 and 98 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 cover two learner groups: i) pre-16s and ii) 16-18s whether in educational institutions or on work based learning. Common principles apply to all qualifications for both learner groups. Additional principles apply to each of the cohorts. (footnote 1)

Common principles for all external qualifications
Principle	Commentary
Prior accreditation by a regulatory body.	By way of explanation, external qualifications will only be approved if they: - meet high quality standards; - are designed to meet the purpose for which they are intended; - support a need, purpose or programme identified for either cohort; - enable progression to other qualifications within the same or different pathways, to other further study or to sustainable employment; - are provided by an awarding body which has demonstrated the capability to apply the criteria contained in the regulatory authorities’ Common Code of Practice. Accreditation by a regulatory body will be expected to provide these assurances. The qualification may either have been accredited to the national framework by ACCAC, CCEA and/or QCA or is a Scottish qualification accredited by the SQA.
Qualification is from Entry level up to and including level 3 in the national qualifications framework or the equivalent.	Pre 19 year olds are expected to focus on courses leading to qualifications up to and including advanced level (or the Scottish equivalent). Exceptionally qualifications will be considered at level 4 for post-16 learners such as occupational qualifications, key skills or those in the performing arts.
Guarantee of provision for a required period	To ensure that qualifications are not withdrawn to the detriment of candidates already engaged in a programme, qualifications will normally only be approved if the Awarding Body can guarantee the continued availability of the qualification or a planned alternative to enable completion of courses already begun and, where relevant, to enable one resit of an examination This period may vary depending on factors including the nature of the qualification, the conditions of accreditation and the circumstances under which it is pursued and will normally be linked to the accreditation and certification periods periods for a qualification.

Footnote 1. An external qualification is defined in S96(5)(6) and (7) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 as one which is awarded or authenticated by an 'outside person' i.e. a person other than the school or institution or employer or a member of their staff.