Policy
Recognition of prior learning
You shouldn't have to relearn what you already know. Before you start, we look at the qualifications, experience and skills you already have, and take them into account in your programme, so your apprenticeship focuses on what's new for you.
At a glance
- Assessed before you start, as part of your pre-enrolment conversation.
- Two routes: qualifications you already hold, and skills you've built at work.
- The same standard as taught learning, with every decision quality checked.
- Voluntary and supported, with reasonable adjustments if you need them.
- Decisions can be appealed.
What counts as prior learning
- Accredited prior learning is learning you've already been certificated for, such as a previous qualification.
- Recognition of prior learning is learning you haven't been certificated for, such as skills and knowledge from your work, which you show through evidence and a professional discussion.
Evidence must be valid, authentic, current and sufficient. Current normally means within the last two years, unless the awarding organisation says otherwise.
How it works
1. Information and guidance. We explain how recognition of prior learning works, its benefits and its limits, when we first talk to you.
2. Pre-enrolment review. You tell us about your experience and qualifications before you enrol. We do this before your programme length and plan are agreed.
3. Gathering evidence. You collect evidence such as certificates, work records, reflective accounts and employer statements. Your coach helps you understand what's needed.
4. Assessment. Your evidence is mapped to the learning outcomes, and you may have a professional discussion with your coach. Where there are gaps, we plan further learning or assessment.
5. Quality checks. Every decision is checked by our internal quality assurance team, and may also be checked by the awarding organisation.
Our principles
- The same standard. Prior learning must meet the same learning outcomes and criteria as taught learning.
- Fair and transparent. Information is accessible, decisions are based on evidence, and reasonable adjustments are made so no one is disadvantaged.
- Your choice. Recognition of prior learning is voluntary, and you're supported throughout.
- Rigorous. Every decision is recorded and can be audited.
- Compliant. We follow awarding organisation requirements and the apprenticeship funding rules.
Your evidence and your data
Your evidence is processed lawfully, stored securely and kept for as long as the funding rules require. Our privacy notice explains how we use your information.
Disagree with a decision?
You can appeal a recognition of prior learning decision through our complaints and appeals process.
Related policies: Additional learning support · Complaints and appeals