About Us

Supporting Providers. Changing Futures.

Gateway Qualifications is an Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation, Qualifications Wales-recognised Awarding Body and QAA-licensed Access Validating Agency, supporting more than 475+ approved Centres across the UK with 325+ regulated qualifications, Apprenticeship Assessments, Access to HE Diplomas, and bespoke qualification development expertise.

Our focus is on creating high-quality qualifications and assessments which are inclusive for all, provide flexible delivery and assessment methods, and enable learners and apprentices to thrive.

Why Choose Gateway Qualifications

475+ approved Centres

325+ regulated qualifications

30+ years of expertise

Flexible delivery and assessment options

Telephone handset with speech bubbles containing question marks, representing contact, enquiries or customer support.

Easy to contact customer service teams

Document with an award ribbon, representing accreditation, certification or recognised standards.

Recognised by Ofqual, Qualification Wales and the QAA

The most important thing for me is that they have somebody at the other end of the phone, and they are able to answer any questions quickly if needed.

Provider comment on Customer Satisfaction Survey

A Gateway to Success for All Learners and Apprentices

At Gateway Qualifications we believe:

We are all individuals, and will thrive with learning that suits the way we learn.
Every learner is different, and we offer a range of flexible products to cater to their needs.

Learning champions future success, and the positive experience you have of learning is just as important and life-defining as the success at the end of it.
Inspirational learning experiences empower learners, builds their self-esteem, confidence and life skills, and will make them more employable.

You know your learners best.

At Gateway Qualifications, we don’t impose fixed learning approaches.

We believe our role is to enable our Centres to provide learning experiences that are flexible, empower their learners, fit into their lives, and enable each and every one to thrive.

Learner-of-the-Year-FAB-Award-2024-Presentation

Inspired by Our Learners

It’s the experiences of our learners that motivates us all at Gateway Qualifications.

We believe that offering accessible qualifications to everyone, whatever their ability, changes futures.

Qualifications that are flexible, fit into people’s lives, and inspire personal progress means everyone can thrive.

Explore Our Success Stories

Committed to Our Customers

Our reassuring track record speaks for itself. We have strong personal relationships with all our Centres, with each one having its own dedicated, named team, just a phone call away.

With guaranteed support from the start, our highly experienced teams have expert knowledge of funding policy and regulatory changes leaving you to do what you do best – teach and inspire your learners.

We publish the standards we hold ourselves to.

Read Our Customer Charter

Our Values

Icon showing three people standing together with raised arms, representing people, community or participation.

Partnership

Working together
Supporting teamwork across the organisation
Communicating, listening, supporting and collaborating

Shield with check mark icon representing quality assurance, trust and reliability.

Integrity

Behaving ethically, with openness and honesty
Trusting and respecting each other
Taking ownership of our performance

Hand holding a lightbulb icon representing clarity, guidance and understanding.

Originality

Embracing change
Thinking creatively and innovating
Encouraging positive risk taking

Quality

Striving to do things right every time
Taking pride in what we do
Continuously improving

Our commitment to quality

Gateway Qualifications is committed to delivering high-quality qualifications and services that are valid, reliable, fair and fit for purpose, supporting learners, centres, employers and wider society.

We maintain a Quality Management System aligned with the principles of ISO 9001:2015 and are committed to:

maintaining the integrity, consistency and security of our assessment and awarding activities;
developing products that are relevant, accessible and responsive to learner and sector needs;
understanding and responding to the needs and expectations of our customers and stakeholders;

meeting applicable regulatory, statutory and organisational requirements;
monitoring our performance and acting on feedback;
maintaining high standards of customer service; and
continually improving our products, services and management processes.

gateway-qualifications-equity-diversity-inclusion-commitment-statement-2024

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At Gateway Qualifications, we aim to create an environment that celebrates differences and strives for equitable opportunities and outcomes for all. More than a mere commitment, this statement stands as a framework, informing every aspect of our work.

We aim to support our staff and learners of all abilities, ensuring the development, delivery, and awarding of qualifications in a fair and inclusive manner. This statement highlights our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, setting the tone for a culture where every individual is valued, empowered, and respected.

As part of the demonstration of our commitment we have signed the Federation of Awarding Bodies EDI pledge. Through our commitment to this pledge, we have made the following commitment statement related to EDI.

Read Our EDI Commitment Statement

Our History

Gateway Qualifications has its roots in the Open College Network movement, which began in 1982 with a mission to widen participation in learning and create more accessible educational opportunities.

Key Milestones

1982

Gateway Qualifications ethos is firmly rooted in the Open College Network tradition. First launched in Manchester in 1982, Open Colleges sprang up across the country, with the core aim of providing a credit-based approach to learning

1992

The Essex Open College Federation was founded, and in the following years this was merged with other Open College Networks in the Anglia, North East London and Hertfordshire areas

2005

This group became known as OCN Eastern Region

2014

OCN Eastern Region was rebranded as Gateway Qualifications

2022

Gateway Qualifications named as Awarding Organisation of the Year by the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB)

2023

Gateway Qualifications won three Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) awards, including, Individual of the Year, Qualification of the Year and AO/Provider Relationship of the Year

2024

Gateway Qualifications won a Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) awards, for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award Winner

2025

Gateway Qualifications won the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award at the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Awards, recognising its commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gateway Qualifications recognised by Ofqual?

Yes. Gateway Qualifications is recognised by Ofqual as an Awarding Organisation and licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) as an Access Validating Agency for Access to HE Diplomas.

What does Gateway Qualifications do?

Gateway Qualifications develops and awards regulated qualifications, Access to HE Diplomas and apprenticeship assessments.

We work with colleges, training providers, schools, employers and other learning organisations to provide flexible, high-quality learning and assessment solutions.

Does Gateway Qualifications teach learners directly?

No. Teaching and learning are delivered by our network of approved Recognised Centres.

Our role is to develop qualifications, quality assure delivery and ensure standards are maintained so learners can achieve qualifications that are trusted and recognised.

What is a Recognised Centre?

A Recognised Centre is an approved organisation authorised to deliver Gateway Qualifications products and services.

Who does Gateway Qualifications work with?

We work with colleges, training providers, employers, apprenticeship providers, community learning organisations and other education partners across the UK.

What qualifications do you offer?

We offer more than 325 regulated qualifications across a broad range of sectors, together with Access to HE Diplomas and apprenticeship assessments standards.

View Our Qualifications

How can an organisation become a Recognised Centre?

Organisations interested in delivering Gateway Qualifications can apply through our Centre recognition process. Our team will guide you through each step.

Explore How to Become a Recognised Centre

Group of Gateway Qualifications staff on stage at FAB Awards after winning Qualification of the Year

Ready to Work with Gateway Qualifications?

Join 475+ approved Centres delivering Gateway Qualifications.

Whether you’re looking for qualifications, Access to HE Diplomas, apprenticeship assessments or a trusted awarding partner, our expert teams are here to help.

Become a Recognised Centre