NOCN, also known as the Northern Open College Network have been operating in the UK for over 30 years. They have an international presence in India as well as expansion into Europe, Middle East and South Africa. They are a well-known, Ofqual regulated awarding body with over 2,500 UK centres and offer almost 400 credit-based qualifications on both NQF and QCF frameworks.

Their qualifications are spread over a wide variety of sectors and range from Entry Level to Level 5. They also endorse bespoke Training Programs and private training programs. With their strong focus on Equality and Diversity, they are the first awarding body to be given the “Leader in Diversity award.

Their head office is in Sheffield but they have a national presence and are a trusted and respected brand in UK post-compulsory education.

Laser Learning Awards are an Ofqual Regulated Awarding Body registered for over 27 years. They are based in London but have a national presence and provide accredited QCF qualifications across a range of sectors from Level 2 Security Courses to Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.

They may not be the largest awarding organisation in the UK, but they deliver on their promise of providing the best customer service and are genuinely concerned about the learners as end-users. This is clear from their friendly staff, quick turnaround times and bespoke service to each individual centre and learner.

At the same time they have a strong commitment to Quality Assurance and ensuring all centres receive the feedback and support required to build sustainable, authentic and robust Quality Assurance Systems which in turn leads to high quality education.

Pearson are an awarding organization that need no introduction. They are an internationally recognised and trusted brand in academic, general, work-based and professional qualifications. The Pearson group of companies boasts brands like Edexcel, BTEC, LCCI and EDI.

They are the largest awarding organisation in the UK regulated by Ofqual, offering a range of qualifications from GCSEs and A levels to NVQs, QCF vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, employment skills and more. The variety of sectors and qualifications they offer are impressive as well as providing recognition for bespoke training programs.

They have launched many valuable initiatives for example, the Pearson Teaching Awards, Pearson College and Policy Watch. They offer extensive information, support and guidance to their centres through their Edexcel Online portal as well as freely available qualification handbooks, reading lists and valuable teaching and learning resources.

Edexcel BTEC are well-known and trusted brand names in UK’s education sector. Both brands are part of the Pearson group of companies and between them they have a presence in over 70 countries world-wide, with 2.58 million learners registered for the BTEC qualifications in the 2013/2014 academic year.

Edexcel offer academic and general qualifications on a global scale including GCSEs, A levels, National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s) and Functional Skills. BTEC is one of the most globally recognized and trusted brands of practical, vocational and work-based skills for over 30 years. These qualifications range across a staggering variety of sectors and levels from Entry Level QCF and Functional Skills courses to Level 7 Diplomas.

The BTEC brand also includes the apprenticeship programs as well as qualifications which offer routes into Higher Education as well as leading directly to employment.