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Reforming apprenticeships in England

What the changes mean for assessment organisations

In this article, Ben Rockliffe, Director of UK Sales and Business Development, explores the implications of the latest apprenticeship reforms and how AQA Global can help you respond with confidence.

24th November 2025

Why are reforms being introduced?

The apprenticeship assessment system in England is undergoing significant reform, with new principles aimed at increasing flexibility, streamlining processes, and improving the overall experience for learners and employers.

The latest reforms to apprenticeship assessment signal some of the most significant shifts in recent years, driven by the needs of learners, employers and the wider economy.

At their heart, the reforms are designed to make assessment more flexible, more efficient, and more closely aligned with what apprentices actually need to demonstrate competence. There is a clear push to streamline assessment methods, removing duplication and placing even greater emphasis on competence. Perhaps most notably, training providers will now have more scope to deliver and mark certain elements during the on-programme phase, while assessment organisations retain responsibility for ensuring the integrity and fairness of the overall process.

What do these changes mean in practice?

End-point assessment plans will become shorter, and it is suggested they will be clearer and less prescriptive too, focusing on the outcomes that matter most rather than rigid formats.
On-programme assessment will play a larger role, reducing the pressure of a single “all-or-nothing” end point assessment, while still safeguarding standards through assessment organisation oversight.
External quality assurance will remain central, but with greater emphasis on consistency and proportionality across standards.

Some in the sector have expressed concerns that such changes could risk undermining rigour. But the message from the government is clear: this is not about watering down standards – the intention is for the system to be recalibrated to make it work better for learners and employers and not diluted.

How will this impact assessment organisations?

In light of these new reforms, adaptability will be key. The ability to offer more flexible assessment routes, while still providing the consistency and transparency that employers and apprentices expect, will determine who thrives under this revised regulatory framework. Quality assurance will become more complex, with assessment organisations needing to strike a careful balance between supporting providers in their new responsibilities and ensuring that assessments remain robust, reliable and trusted. The systems and processes for achieving this, both internal and external, will need to be effective, but also proportionate.

The changes will also provide a chance to improve the apprenticeship experience, making assessment more relevant, manageable and supportive of progression into skilled work. For assessment organisations, that means thinking strategically, acting decisively, and making use of the right support.

How can AQA Global support your apprenticeship assessment reform?

Our experience in apprenticeship assessment is practical and current, with a consulting team who come from a wide background of end point assessment organisations. They draw on their own experience in combination with the subject knowledge of over 1,000 specialist associates to support you at every step, from conceptual design through to operational delivery.

We build assessment models that are both flexible and rigorous, whether that involves re-thinking assessment structures, embedding more on-programme assessment, or strengthening internal quality assurance processes.

We also provide training for assessment development teams, assessors and delivery staff, so changes are applied confidently and consistently. Our team can also assist with broader change management, from revising assessment delivery plans and communicating with employers, to aligning internal systems with external quality assurance expectations.

You can find more information about the apprenticeship reforms in these resources:

Speak to our apprenticeship experts

We support assessment organisations through times of transition. Our team has a wealth of experience of developing and delivering assessments in a range of contexts, retaining rigour, while capitalising on the chance to enhance fairness, flexibility and value for apprentices and employers alike.

Contact our team