Open College Network West Midlands Ditches Ofqual Status
Open College Network West Midlands (OCNWM) has officially surrendered its status as an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation.
Acquisition by AIM Sparks Change
Back in August 2022, OCNWM informed Ofqual of its plan to give up recognition. The reason? It was snapped up by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group. As part of the process, all regulated provisions moved over to AIM. Importantly, OCNWM currently has no students enrolled in its regulated programmes.
What This Means for Students and Qualifications
- The surrender became effective on 31 March 2023.
- From that date, no qualifications offered by OCNWM are regulated by Ofqual.
- Previously, OCNWM held 486 regulated qualifications and issued 9,466 certificates in the last academic year alone.
- The organisation confirms no students have been harmed by the switch, with continued support ensured under AIM’s wing.
Ofqual Pledges Student Protection Amid Changes
Ofqual stressed they’re on hand to guide awarding bodies thinking of surrendering recognition. Their priority is protecting students and maintaining qualification standards through the transition.
