skip to main content

What we do

Who we are

OCN North East Region (OCNNER) is an Awarding Organisation recognised by the Qualification Regulator in England (Ofqual), offering high quality, flexible, credit-based qualifications.

We are committed to providing an excellent and highly responsive learning accreditation service, both independently and in partnership with the National Open College Network (NOCN). NOCN is the second largest provider of QCF qualifications in the UK, developing, creating and certificating nationally recognised qualifications that are flexible and inclusive. Our qualifications are specifically designed to enable learners to achieve their individual goals and meet the growing challenges and demands of the 21st century.

OCNNER is an Access Validating Agency, licensed by QAA (The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) to accredit the QAA Access to HE Diploma. The Diploma is one of the main routes for adults wishing to apply for university in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We approve organisations across the region to deliver the Regional Programme in Access to HE, which incorporates a full programme of quality assurance, standardisation and curriculum development. Organisations can develop a programme using units from our Access to HE unit bank or develop new units as required. We work with these organisations and Higher Education partners to ensure our Access to HE Diplomas deliver excellent preparation for students progressing to HE courses. We also actively engage with QAA, UCAS and other agencies to contribute to the development of the Diploma nationally. If you would like to know more about our AVA work please visit the Access to HE section of our website.

Who we work with

NOCN and OCNNER qualifications and units are delivered by an extensive range of learning providers including:

  • Adult and Community Education Centres

  • Employers

  • Further Education Colleges

  • Local Education Authorities

  • Offender Learning Providers and Prisons

  • Pupil Reintegration Units (PRU)

  • Schools

  • Sixth Form Colleges

  • Trade Unions

  • Training Providers

  • Universities and Higher Education Institutions

  • Voluntary and Community Organisations

What we offer

Our comprehensive range of learning accreditation services include:

OCNNER QCF Qualifications

National Qualifications within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) regulated by the Authorities in England.

NOCN QCF Qualifications

National Qualifications within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) regulated by the Authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

OCNNER units and courses

Non-regulated units and courses not part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) which have measured learning outcomes and are quality assured to national standards.

QAA Access to HE Diploma

OCNNER is an Access Validating Agency, licensed by QAA (The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) to accredit the QAA Access to HE Diploma. The Diploma is one of the main routes for adults wishing to apply for university in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Continuous Professional Development

OCN North East Region’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme has an extensive range of training and events for practitioners in support of curriculum development, quality assurance and diversity

Our values

OCNNER is a not for profit organisation. We invest our resources in supporting our existing products, the development of new qualifications and the expansion of our services. OCNNER is proud of its status as a registered charity, promoting charitable objectives.

OCNNER is recognised by the Office of the Qualifications and Examination regulator (Ofqual); Licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency for High Education (QAA); is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity (company number 4042215; charity number 1087530).

Promoting learning...

Crediting achievement

  • OCNNER
    Qualifications

    • Each search box is independent



  • NOCN
    Qualifications

    • Each search box is independent



  • NOCN Progression
    Qualification Units



  • OCNNER Non-
    regulated Units

    •  
      Please note: these units are not regulated by Ofqual (non-regulated units) and are not included in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

  • Access to
    HE Units

    • Please login to continue