OCN Eastern Region is an Authorised Validating Agency (AVA) licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) which means we can approve and accredit Access to HE Diploma qualifications. In our most recent licence review by the QAA, we received an ‘outstanding’ outcome with nine commendations – confirming our widely-recognised reputation for quality. The full report can be found on the QAA website

For Access Providers
Currently we validate almost 100 courses in thirty further education colleges, training centres and adult education centres across the region, which have over 3,500 registered Access to Higher Education learners. Our Access specialists are able to guide you along the way in developing Access to HE Diploma courses and gaining certification. We will also be working with you through 2009 to implement the grading of Access Diplomas. The implementation plan and supporting documents are now available.

For Access Students
Access courses provide a route to higher education (degree level) study for people without the usual entry qualifications like A levels. They are specifically designed for mature students although there is no lower age limit. On successful completion of the course a certificate is awarded that is recognised by all universities and colleges of higher education as the entry standard to a degree programme.

For Universities
We publish a guide for University Admissions Tutors outlining how to deal with applications from Access students. It supplements the information available from the QAA and UCAS.

Find out more:
For Access Students
For Access Providers
For Access Moderators
For Higher Education Institutes
Access news
Access documents