Awarding Organisations used by NCC Home Learning
The awarding organisations will check that the courses they accredit are being delivered to their quality standards. This means that you can be sure that when you obtain a qualification accredited by an awarding organisation you have reached a standard that is consistent globally.
We have provided this page in order to provide information about each of the different Awarding Organisations, and also an explanation of the types of certificate or regulated qualification that are available.
These are the Awarding Organisations that we are currently working with:
The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) is the largest of the Unitary Awarding Bodies in the UK. AQA offers a range of qualifications and services, including GCSE, GCE, GNVQ, VCE and Entry Level. AQA set and mark over half of all GCSEs and A levels taken in the UK every year. AQA's primary purpose as a charity is to ensure that students' attainments are supported by best assessment practice and that their grades are a reliable statement of their achievement.
The AQA qualifications obtained in the United Kingdom are held in high regard by employers and universities worldwide.
AQA (The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) has a leading reputation for promoting education for the public benefit and draws on long experience of setting and marking public exams such as GCSEs, A-levels and other qualifications. AQA is the largest of the three English exam boards, awarding 49% of full course GCSEs and 42% of A-levels nationally. In total, students take over 3.5 million exams with them each year.
Do you need an A Level within 12 months to get into University?
NCC offer a range of A Levels where we guarantee to prioritise the marking of your coursework so you are fully ready to take your exams in June of each year.
WE DO NOT CHARGE EXTRA FOR THIS SERVICE.
As an NCC learner, you will have 2 years to complete the full A-Level from the date you receive your materials. You will be able to study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines.
All topics will be assessed by paper-based examinations. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided on the relevant course page
Note that you will need to contact your examination centre to discuss any practical work requirements and the route you will take. Also note your tutor has no involvement in this.
Please note: Students are fully responsible for the arrangement and funding of any examinations required, as these will need to be taken in person within a registered examinations centre.
Next Examination Period: Summer
The Ascentis Group includes Ascentis Awarding Organisation, International Dyslexia Learning Solutions Limited and Virtual Academy Limited.
Ascentis stands out as a distinguished provider of cutting-edge qualifications catering to education, training, and business needs, both within the UK and internationally. Since 1975, their unwavering dedication to delivering outstanding customer service has been coupled with a commitment to creating transformative opportunities for individuals.
What sets Ascentis apart is its dual role as:
- An Awarding Organisation, subject to regulation by Ofqual, CCEA, and Qualification Wales.
- An Access Validating Agency for Access to Higher Education Diplomas, holding a license from the Quality Assurance Agency.
Their comprehensive portfolio comprises accessible and user-friendly qualifications spanning Access to Higher Education Diplomas, Community Interpreting, Construction, Digital Skills, Employability, English & Maths Skills, ESOL, Education & Training, and Short Online Qualifications (SOQs).
As a charitable organisation with no shareholders, Ascentis is driven by the singular purpose of providing an optimal level of service to all its customers. Being a recognised charity, they are deeply committed to establishing clear progression routes that empower learners to ascend the 'qualifications ladder' and realise their lifelong aspirations.
There are no exams required, however learners will be expected to demonstrate certain learning outcomes within their assignments.
After completing their course materials and submitting their assessment to their tutor, learners will receive feedback to assist them in their academic endeavors.
Access to HE Diplomas are fully accredited through Ascentis and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), so they are part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
Edexcel is part of Pearson, the world’s leading learning company which has an educational heritage rooted in names like Longman, Heinemann and Prentice Hall. Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation, offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.
Pearson began long before 1996 when Edexcel was formed by the merger of the Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC), the country’s leading provider of vocational qualifications, and the University of London Examinations & Assessment Council (ULEAC), one of the major exam boards for GCSEs and A levels. In 1836, the University of London was granted its initial powers through a royal charter, enabling it to conduct examinations and award degrees to its students.
Collaborating with schools, universities, and employers globally, they deliver qualifications to more than 3.4 million students each year. Their Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and International A level qualifications closely adhere to the British education system. Additionally, Pearson BTECs, renowned for their career-focused approach and developed in collaboration with employers, can be integrated into a comprehensive curriculum alongside academic qualifications.
Do you need an A Level within 12 months to get into University?
We offer a range of A Levels where we guarantee to prioritise the marking of your coursework so you are fully ready to take your exams in June of each year.
WE DO NOT CHARGE EXTRA FOR THIS SERVICE.
As an NCC learner you will receive the following support:
- The course materials and support will be provided by OSC
- You will get full tutor support via email
- You will receive feedback on your assignments from our experienced tutors
- You will be given guidance through the Study Guide on the nuts and bolts of studying and submitting assignments
- Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor
- You must have access to email in order to contact your tutor
- Our A Levels come with tutor support for 24 months
Learners will be given a two-year timeframe to finish the entire A-Level once they receive their materials. They can study at their own pace and on their own schedule, free from the constraints of tight deadlines.
Learners have access to a tutor via our student portal who mark the work and guide learners through the course to help prepare them for their examinations. In addition they are supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which helps them through the study and assessment process.
Please note: It is the student's responsibility to arrange and pay for any examinations, as these will need to be delivered in a registered centre.
Next Examination Period: Summer
NCFE can trace its roots back over 175 years of supporting education and to this date continues to work with Colleges of Further Education and Private Training Providers. NCFE offers more than 500 qualifications at different levels and in a wide range of subject areas. NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in England, the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland, and the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
As a charity dedicated to advancing technical and vocational learning, they are wholeheartedly committed to transforming the landscape of education for the better.
CACHE, which stands for the Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education, holds the position of being the foremost sector specialist in health, care, and education in the United Kingdom. It is currently a registered trademark owned by NCFE. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, CACHE has consistently produced high-quality qualifications. The organisation collaborates with over 1,000 delivery partners both in the UK and overseas.
CACHE Alumni Membership: Take advantage of becoming a part of the CACHE Alumni once you have enrolled on any of our CACHE courses. CACHE Alumni is a professional membership network for those who work in the healthcare and education industries. It is free to join and it supports practitioners, learners, and educators throughout their learning journey. Some of the benefits from joining CACHE Alumni include access to the latest articles across the healthcare sector for two years and complete access to useful webinars, podcasts, and career support.
Learners are assessed on their knowledge and skills through a mix of questions and written activities.
Upon successful completion of a regulated course, learners will gain an Ofqual Regulated (RQF) certificate. RQF courses have various credit values which can be applied to the National Credit Transfer System.
NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.
On completion of an NCC Customised Qualification, learners will receive a certificate of achievement endorsed and provided by NCFE.
Courses endorsed by NCFE or NCFE CACHE will receive a Certificate of Achievement from NCFE. While this certification is not classified as a regulated qualification*, it can serve as proof of acquired knowledge and skills for both employment and subsequent academic pursuits.
Quality Licence Scheme: ABC Awards and Certa Awards have long-established reputations for providing high quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. ABC Awards and Certa Awards combine over 180 years of expertise combined with a responsive, flexible and innovative approach to the needs of our customers. Renowned for excellent customer service, and quality standards, ABC Awards and Certa Awards also offer regulated qualifications for all ages and abilities post-14; all are developed with the support of relevant stakeholders to ensure that they meet the needs and standards of employers across the UK.
The Quality Licence Scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group, a charitable organisation that unites education and skills-orientated organisations that share similar values and objectives. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Skills and Education Group’s strategic partnerships create opportunities to inform, influence and represent the wider education and skills sector.
The Skills and Education Group's knowledge and experience of working within the awarding sector enables them to work with training providers, through the Quality Licence Scheme, to help them develop high-quality courses and/or training programmes for the non-regulated market.
The Certificate of Achievement from Quality Licence Scheme is gained by successfully completing a series of assignments. Your personal tutor will review, mark and provide you with feedback on your work.
At the end of the course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).
The course has been endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme. This means that NCC Home Learning has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may serve as proof of acquired knowledge and skills. The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.
Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) offer qualifications designed by leading professionals and delivered to centres and learners with integrity and compliance. TQUK have rigorous quality assurance controls and procedures in place and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of customer service, qualification delivery and assessment.
Training Qualification UK are one of the newest, most dynamic awarding organisations in the industry, seeking to bring a fresh approach and excellent service to training providers, colleges and learners. TQUK qualifications are designed by leading professionals and delivered to centres and learners with integrity and compliance in mind. TQUK have rigorous quality assurance controls and procedures in place and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of customer service, qualification delivery and assessment.
NCC Resources Limited is a licenced centre for TQUK courses.
TQUK online programmes are assessed through a series of Tutor Marked assignments and sometimes practical work which is assessed in the workplace.
A written assignment is required for each unit, this is assessed by a qualified tutor. Completed assignments provide evidence towards the required learning outcome for each unit and contributes to the course portfolio.
TQUK are fully approved as an awarding organisation by Ofqual and award RQF courses in a number of sectors. RQF courses have various credits values which can be applied to the National Credit Transfer System. TQUK accredit courses which are developed by industry experts and work hand in hand with organisations ensuring the calibre and worth of courses provided.
With NCC the TQUK regulated qualification certificate is included in the purchase price.
Courses endorsed by TQUK will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement by TQUK. Although this is not a regulated qualification*, it may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained for both employment and further studies.
*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales
Learner Support
Our students benefit greatly from the invaluable support of their dedicated tutors, who play a pivotal role in their academic journey. Upon enrolling in our courses, each student is paired with a personal tutor who possesses extensive expertise and experience in the relevant subject area.
We encourage students to actively engage with their tutors, tapping into their wealth of knowledge by seeking clarification on course materials and posing relevant questions. Furthermore, assignments are meticulously assessed by the assigned tutor, who furnishes comprehensive feedback to aid in skill enhancement. Additionally, tutors offer valuable guidance and suggestions for improvement, empowering students to maximise their learning potential and continually refine their abilities throughout their academic endeavours.
Learners receive study materials and expert tutor support on our dedicated learning portal (LMS). Our student support team are also available for any other queries that learners may have whilst completing their course with NCC, simply email [email protected]. As an NCC learner, you can be assured that unlimited support is available for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.
Please ensure that all queries are sent via email using our support email address, as they are then allocated a ticket number and processed more quickly
Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from NCC. The learner must have access to email in order to contact their tutor and access their course.
When we encounter a situation where we cannot offer a course that is in high demand among our learners, we collaborate with select educational partners to ensure that we fulfill our learners' requirements. This arrangement guarantees that our learners can have confidence in relying on our exceptional reputation for customer support.