Gateway Qualifications has secured a new Access to HE AVA Licence under the latest QAA regulatory framework. This confirms our continued role in delivering and quality assuring Access to HE Diplomas from August 2026.
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), regulator for the Access to HE Diploma, is introducing a new Access to HE regulatory framework from 1st August 2026. As part of these changes, all Access Validating Agencies (AVAs), including Gateway Qualifications, are required to reapply for their licence under the updated Recognition Scheme and Licensing Conditions.
We are delighted to confirm that Gateway Qualifications has been awarded a new Access to HE AVA Licence for the full five‑year period (the maximum duration available), recognising the strength of our quality assurance processes and confirming our continued role as an approved AVA under the new regulatory framework.
“Being awarded a full five-year Access to HE AVA Licence under QAA’s new regulatory framework is a significant outcome for Gateway Qualifications. For our Centres, the new framework places a stronger emphasis on clear outcomes, robust governance and consistent quality assurance — giving greater clarity in expectations alongside more flexibility in delivery. Supporting Centres through change has always been central to our approach, and our focus has been on aligning our policies, strengthening oversight, and ensuring we provide clear, practical guidance that enables Centres to deliver with confidence.” – Fabienne Bailey, CEO at Gateway Qualifications
As part of preparing for the new framework, we have completed a full review of our policies, procedures and supporting documentation to ensure alignment with the new QAA Licensing Conditions. In readiness for the new framework, we have updated our Malpractice and Maladministration Policy and Procedure.
Updates to the Malpractice and Maladministration Policy for Access to HE
The revised policy introduces the term academic misconduct for the first time. This clarifies our approach to academic integrity across all qualifications, not just Access to HE Diplomas.
What this means for your Access to HE Centre
All Centres should be aware that:
- Academic misconduct is now formally defined within our policy and includes behaviours such as plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating and inappropriate use of AI.
- The updated policy introduces clearer expectations around the appropriate and transparent use of AI in assessments, and Centres will need to reflect this in their own local policies.
- Staff involved in teaching, assessment and quality assurance should be familiar with the updated definitions and the process for identifying and reporting concerns.
- Learners should be routinely informed about what academic misconduct looks like in practice — including clear expectations around referencing, collaboration and use of AI tools.
For further guidance on academic misconduct, including its impact on learner resubmission opportunities and grading decisions, Centres should refer to the Access to HE Centre Handbook and the Access to HE Tutor Handbook. These documents set out the expectations and processes in detail to support consistent and fair assessment practice across all Centres. If you have any questions, please contact us at enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk.