Unit Award Scheme

Learning Journey
Support your learners on their learning journey with suites of units written by our AQA subject experts
Certification
Motivate and engage your learners with certificates for each completed unit
Extensive Library
Covers all topics from life skills, outdoor activities, crafts, and work-related learning
Inclusivity
Inclusive and suitable for learners of all abilities, UAS can be tailored to individual needs

A simple and unique record of achievement

The Unit Award Scheme is a unique way to record learner achievement

The Unit Award Scheme (UAS) allows all students to engage with learning and have their achievements formally recognised.

Learners are rewarded with a certificate each time they successfully complete a unit of learning. They can build up a portfolio of certificates to evidence their skills, knowledge and experience.

The scheme boosts confidence, increases engagement and improves motivation, helping learners to make progress on their lifelong learning journey.

How UAS works

Educators select units they want to teach from our extensive library. The units set out clearly what learning outcomes need to be achieved and the evidence required. The educator is free to deliver this content in the most appropriate way for their students.

Each organisation has a system administrator who makes the claim for UAS certificates, along with the evidence when required. This is an administrative role, e.g. an exams officer in schools or an education lead in a charity.

Interested in finding out more? Get in touch

Certification

A Unit Award Scheme certificate is issued each time a student completes a unit. It lists all the unit outcomes, providing a record of the knowledge, skills and understanding achieved.

You can claim certificates regularly throughout the year. We issue them within 10 working days.

Case studies

New
Using AQA’s Unit Award Scheme to support positive learning experiences in prisons
The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) presents a valuable opportunity for prisons to invest in the education and rehabilitation of prisoners. By promoting education, building confidence, fostering personal growth, and developing transferable skills, UAS can contribute to breaking the cycle of reoffending and transforming the lives of individuals within the prison system.
31 January 2025
The Christie
The Christie is a world-leading cancer centre explains how The Unit Award Scheme helps the young people at The Christie prepare for life after treatment.
31 January 2025
The Children’s Hospital School at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College Hospital
The Children’s Hospital School in central London provides education for children and young people across two hospital trusts to minimise the interruption and disruption to their academic progress by providing learning opportunities throughout their hospital admission.
11 September 2023
RSPCA Newbrook Farm Education Centre
Zoe Teague, Senior Education Officer at RSPCA Newbrook Farm Education Centre, shares why her centre chose UAS and how the scheme has helped to create opportunities for their learners.
11 September 2023
St Peter’s Church of England School
Jo Brophy, Inclusion and Engagement Lead at St Peter's Church of England school in Exeter, explains how she's using UAS to create innovative, alternative pathways for students.