Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Process

Guiding Principles

Pinehirst Education aims to provide opportunities for learners to submit evidence using recognised prior learning (RPL) that can be mapped against learning outcomes and assessment criteria, to contribute to a recognised qualification. The policy aims to ensure that learners are able to apply for RPL against any recognised qualification, for which they are currently enrolled, to recognise learning based on experience and/or other previous formal, non-formal and informal learning contexts. This will include knowledge and skills gained within schools, previous College studies and qualification , Pinehirst Education, and outside formal learning situations such as through life and work experiences. 

Paul Morton, Director of Curriculum, Pinehirst Education June 2023. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Pinehirst Education aims to provide opportunities for learners to submit evidence using recognised prior learning (RPL) that can be mapped against learning outcomes and assessment criteria, to contribute to a recognised qualification.

The policy aims to ensure that learners are able to apply for RPL against any recognised qualification, for which they are currently enrolled, to recognise learning based on experience and/or other previous formal, non-formal and informal learning contexts. This will include knowledge and skills gained within schools, previous College studies and qualification , Pinehirst Education, and outside formal learning situations such as through life and work experiences.

This policy applies to all Skills learners at all centres of the Pinehirst Education.

Introduction

The Regulatory Arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) provides the following definition of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is ‘a method of assessment that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills that they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning’.

In the context of the QCF, the definition of RPL is quite specific and relates to assessment leading to the award of credit. Assessment for RPL is conducted against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of a unit/module and is subject to exactly the same internal and external quality assurance requirements as any other kind of assessment.

Procedure

  • Students discuss with Course Tutor whether APL is available and appropriate for them and the requirements of Pinehirst Education, and any fees that will apply.

  • Students submit a completed APL application form indicating which modules they wish to claim for via their Tutor.

  • For Certificated APL, students must attach a copy/copies of transcripts or certificates as proof of the awards obtained (originals must be made available if requested).

  • Tutors forward the completed application to Pinehirst Education Director of Education who liaise over completion of the process.

  • Clear direction will also be given as to the types of evidence that may be utilised and the timeframe for submission.

  • The Module/Unit Tutor will assess the evidence within three weeks of submission clearly mapping to the specified assessment criteria and ensuring that evidence is valid, sufficient, and current in relation to expected industry competence. The evidence should be consistent with non-RPL evidence submitted as part of a learning programme/framework.

  • The nominated Internal Verifier (IV) will view the assessed evidence to confirm that accurate mapping against the identified criteria has been undertaken by the assessor. The IV will then provide feedback to confirm achievement or indicate clearly any further evidence required.

  • Further to the IV confirming that evidence is sufficient, the module/unit tutor follows normal Pinehirst Education Process by submitting to the Director Of Curriculum . The IQA will also inform the Examinations Officer that the units are accurate on the QRF.

Our Principles

  • RPL is a valid method of enabling individuals to claim credit for units and qualifications of the Qualification Framework, irrespective of how the learning took place and the assessments were undertaken. There is no difference between the achievement of the required standards (i.e. ACs being met at the required level) gained through prior learning or through a formal programme of study.

  • RPL must comply with all regulatory requirements for assessment. RPL policies, processes, procedures, practices, and decisions should be transparent, rigorous, reliable, sufficient, fair, and accessible to individuals and stakeholders to ensure that users can be confident of the fidelity of the assessment decisions and outcomes of RPL.

  • RPL is a learner-centred voluntary process. The individual should be offered advice on the nature and range of evidence considered appropriate to support a claim for assessing RPL and be given guidance and support to make his or her claim. It remains the role of the assessor and quality staff to ensure that assessment criteria are only deemed to have been met where assessment is valid; reliable and fit for purpose and where evidence is adequate, sufficient, and authentic.

  • The process of RPL is subject to the same standard of scrutiny through the application of existing quality assurance and monitoring processes as any other form of learning and assessment.

  • Assessment methods for RPL must be of equal rigor as other assessment methods, must be fit for purpose and relate to the evidence of learning. An individual may claim RPL against any whole unit unless the assessment criteria of a unit states otherwise. Where a qualification specification stipulates a Prescribed (P) method of assessment, this has to be met, or if an external assessment is set in the standard a learner must achieve, then the learner must pass the external assessment to achieve the unit and gain the credit.

Documents Associated with this Policy:

  • Our Awarding Bodies Academic Regulations ( OCR & OA )

  • APL Guidance notes for Applicants

  • APL application forms

  • QAA UK Quality Code for Education

  • Pinehirst Education Malpractice and Maladministration policy and process.

Document Version: 1 (MAY 2023) ( REVIEW DATE MAY 2024 )

Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Process

Author APMc

Quality Assurance

This Policy and Procedure maps to the following external quality assurance frameworks

  • Ofsted Inspection Framework

  • Pinehirst Education Awarding Bodies

  • QAA

  • QIA

  • ESFA

Underpinning Knowledge

  • RPL is not the same as –

  • An exemption

  • An equivalent

  • A credit accumulation or transfer

  • A qualification legacy (i.e. ‘grandfather rights’)

  • A predecessor qualification

  • A shared unitevent.