Cost of A-Level Courses
across the UK

# A-Level Course Accreditation in the UK

The main regulatory framework for A-Level courses in the UK centres on Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, which oversees all awarding bodies that deliver A-Level qualifications. Ofqual does not directly accredit tutoring providers or online course platforms, but it regulates the examination boards (such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and Pearson) that set and grade A-Level papers. Beyond Ofqual, several trade bodies offer accreditation to educational providers: the Quality Licence Scheme (QLS) and the Skills and Education Group (SEG) both verify teaching standards and business practices, while the British Association of Removers and other sector bodies may certify specialist tutors. For online and distance learning specifically, the Distance Learning Council (now part of the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation's wider remit) previously provided assurance, though providers increasingly look to ISO 9001 certification or Investors in People status to demonstrate quality. Understanding these different schemes helps you identify whether a provider meets basic compliance standards or exceeds them with additional quality commitments.

To verify a provider's credentials, start by checking whether they appear on Ofqual's register of awarding bodies if they claim to deliver or moderate A-Level qualifications directly. For tutoring or course platform providers, search their website for logos and certificates from recognised accreditation bodies, and confirm these by visiting the issuing organisation's own register—most accreditors publish lists of certified businesses that you can cross-reference. You can also contact the provider directly and ask for evidence of accreditation, including the specific standards they meet and when their certification was last renewed. Why this matters is simple: an accredited provider has undergone independent inspection, agreed to follow defined