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About AIM
Empowering Futures

Welcome to AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group!

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is a FAB Awards nominated, leading Awarding Organisation (AO), Access Validating Agency (AVA), and End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) offering award-winning qualifications, Access to HE Diplomas and nominated end-point assessment services.

Mission, Vision and Values

The organisation is built on the pillars of inclusion, integrity, respect and empowerment to add value to the partnerships we have with every organisation that delivers our qualifications; with the vision of empowering the futures of ever-increasing numbers of learners. Discover our mission, vision and values.

Our History

The history of our organisation dates back to the early 1990's, with the most recent change being the merger of AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group and Open College Network West Midlands in the Autumn of 2022. This merger signified the amalgamation of the two Midlands' Open College Networks who’s foundations were created 40 years ago. Discover our full history.

 

Awarding Organisation

What are awarding bodies, awarding organisations and exam boards?

These are all different terms that are used to describe the role of an organisation that designs and develops qualifications, and certificates the recognition of learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and/or competences) of an individual, following an assessment and quality assurance process.

AIM has over thirty years’ experience developing high-quality qualifications that meet the needs of employers and learners. We approve the centres (colleges, training providers etc) that deliver our qualifications and work closely with them to ensure high quality delivery so that we can certify their successful learners. We also develop innovative products and services to support our centres and learners.

As with many awarding organisations (over 160) in the UK, AIM is regulated by OfqualSQA Accreditations,  CCEAQualifications Wales and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to ensure we maintain quality standards in our delivery and provision.

Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a UK qualification which prepares adult learners for study as an undergraduate at university. The diploma is designed for people who would like to study in higher education but who left school without qualifications such as A Levels. These diplomas are usually studied full-time over one year.

We have worked with higher education institutes (HEIs) to design the content of the Access to HE Diplomas to ensure learners are prepared for successful entry on a wide variety of degree programmes.

Our diplomas are full Level 3 qualifications and are accepted by most HEIs to meet the entry requirements on their courses.

 

End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)

An End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final test for an apprentice during their apprenticeship. It is designed to be an objective and impartial assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours. Activities are different for every apprenticeship, but they all follow the same overall structure.

AIM is the only registered EPAO specialising in the creative, cultural and professional services industries. We work closely with employers and providers to support apprentices on their journey towards a successful EPA doing as much as we can to enable them to showcase their achievements.

Our close industry partnerships ensure that AIM assessments reflect the intention of the standard (as set by the trailblazer groups) and that they remain current to new developments in industry practice. Find out more.

 

AIM Endorsed

Bespoke Accreditation and Quality Assurance Services.

AIM’s Endorsed services are for organisations that want to give their own bespoke training programmes external recognition and credibility.

As a prestigious Awarding and Validating Agency, AIM’s Endorsed brand will enable you to demonstrate the quality and rigour of your training and awarding practices to your end user. Plus, you’ll retain ownership of your course content and delivery.