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Our role

 

Our work

QAA maintains and manages the scheme for the recognition and quality assurance of Access to HE Diplomas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our Recognition Scheme is the regulatory framework through which Access to HE courses are recognised and regulated. We license Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) to develop, quality assure and award Access to HE Diplomas. QAA has a remit from government for this work.

 

 

Qualification development

We conduct development work to make sure Access to HE Diplomas provide good preparation for higher education for adult students, and that the standard for the award of Access to HE Diplomas is maintained. Our business priorities set requirements about the Access to HE Diploma and its assessment, and our work with AVAs and providers. Qualification development projects are overseen by our Access Regulation and Licensing Committee and its working groups.

 

 

Recent developments have included:
  • Implementation of a new Grading Scheme on 1 August 2024 – introducing three grading standards which are to be applied equally to all units across all assessments.
  • Implementation of Subject Descriptors for Medicine (2021 and revised 2025) and Nursing and Health Professions (1 August 2025) – introducing nationally agreed curricula to support progression into specialist higher education.
 
Current developments include:
  • Transitioning towards a new Recognition Scheme, which will be implemented from 1 August 2026. Rules-based criteria will be replaced by principles-based conditions, giving Access Validating Agencies increased flexibility to innovate.
  • Conducting enabling work towards a potential International Access to HE Diploma. Our response to the most recent public consultation will be published in spring 2026.

 

Statistics and research

We collect and publish statistical data about Access to HE students each year. We work with AVAs, UCAS, HESA, and government and funding bodies including the Department for Education and Medr provide as full a picture as possible about Access to HE students and their achievements and progress. These data are used by a range of organisations in planning and policy making.