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About Open College Network South West Region

Open College Network South West Region (OCNSWR) is a national Awarding Organisation, set up and operating as a social enterprise, and recognised by Ofqual as the regulatory authority for qualifications in England. This enables us to submit and offer new national qualifications in the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) that may attract public funding. 

Historically, we have also had a strong regional background as a key member of the National Open College Network (NOCN) for the past 27 years and we offer NOCN qualifications to our recognised centres. OCNSWR is also licensed independently by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education to award the Access to HE Diploma.

Open College Networks are locally managed not-for-profit partnerships committed to providing flexible and responsive local accreditation service for a wide range of learning activities. OCNSWR is a membership organisation and is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (company No. 4326979).

OCNSWR works with providers to develop and accredit learning and training courses that can be specifically targeted at learners' needs at all levels of achievement from basic and life skills upto entry into Higher Education.

The accreditation service includes:

• Quality Assurance for learning programmes
• External moderation and verification of learning and achievement
• Support from experienced Development Managers throughout the process
• Access to good practice, advice and support on all curriculum matters and to a bank of approved units
• Access to staff development and networking activities
• Award of certificates to learners, detailing their achievements

OCNSWR accreditation enables providers to develop flexible learning opportunities tailored to local needs within a national framework.

OCNSWR accredited courses are designed, delivered and assessed by local providers. OCNSWR provides support and guidance in the development of courses for accreditation, and the quality systems to ensure consistency across provision. In addition to National Qualifications there are also a range of local courses to choose from.

One of our main aims is to celebrate the learning achievements of learners, through the award of credit. All learners successfully completing an approved course of study receive a certificate detailing their achievements.