Ascentis is distinctive in that it is both:

  • a National Awarding Body, approved by Ofqual
  • an Access Validating Agency for “Access to Higher Education” Programmes, licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education

Ascentis is therefore able to offer a comprehensive ladder of opportunities to centres and their learners, starting at Pre-Entry programmes and progressing to QAA-recognised Access to HE qualifications or professional Further Education Teaching Certificates.

Ascentis was originally established in 1975 as OCNW, a co-operative scheme between Universities and Colleges of Further Education. OCNW was the first ‘Open College’ in the UK and served the needs of its members for over 34 years. Throughout this period, OCNW grew yet maintained its independence in order that it could continue to respond to the requirements of its customers and provide a consistently high standard of service to all centres across the country and in recent years to its increasing cohorts of overseas learners.

The flexible and adult-friendly ethos of Ascentis has resulted in centres throughout the UK choosing to run its qualifications.

There are several reasons for choosing Ascentis as your awarding body:

  • Ascentis is responsive to the needs of tutors & learners
  • Ascentis offers the highest level of customer service
  • Ascentis offers progression from "Skills for Life" to Higher Education
  • Ascentis’s qualifications are competitively priced
  • Ascentis is a partnership organisation
  • Ascentis is approved by both Ofqual and the QAA

 
  • Investor In People
  • Ofqual
  • Access to Higher Education
  • Anglia Examinations England
  • Ascentis staff are always available for advice and guidance.