How it works
Your 3-year accreditation built on conversation and development, not paperwork.
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Complete the online application form - your context, your learners, your communities. Following payment, we will introduce you to your named LP assessor and send you everything you need to begin your self-assessment.
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Using the LP self-assessment tool, you work through each of the six standards against the criteria and indicators and submit a curated evidence portfolio alongside it. Quality of evidence matters far more than quantity.
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Your assessor reviews your self-assessment and evidence, then conducts a single structured remote visit - conversations with leadership, staff, learners and community partners, all scheduled in advance.
The conversations follow the six standards but are open in style. We are interested in how your organisation thinks and operates, not just what it can produce.
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Your assessor produces a written report covering each standard: strengths, areas for development, and your accreditation level.
LP accredits at three levels: Accredited, Accredited with Distinction, and Accredited with Excellence. Your report is yours to share with governors, staff, partners and stakeholders.
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In each of the two years between assessment and renewal, you submit a short progress update and have a 45-minute conversation with your assessor.
It is developmental, not interrogative. It’s a chance to reflect on what has changed and what is coming next. (Included in your annual membership fee).
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At the end of your three-year period, a renewal assessment, similar in shape to your initial assessment but lighter in scope, focused on progress and change.
Successful renewal extends your accreditation for a further three years and is your opportunity to progress to a higher level.
Your three year journey at a glance…
What does it cost?
LP fees are structured by organisation size, so you pay in proportion to what you are.
There are no hidden costs - everything is included in your assessment fee and annual membership, and all assessment is remote so there are no travel or venue expenses to factor in (unless you specifically request an in-person visit!).
Your frequently asked questions
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From submitting your application to receiving your report, the process typically takes six to eight weeks. The timeline depends largely on how quickly your self-assessment and evidence portfolio are ready to submit.
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Your assessor is assigned based on your organisational context and sector. All LP assessors are experienced education professionals with current knowledge of the skills landscape. You will be introduced to your assessor before the self-assessment stage begins.
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Your report will clearly identify the areas that need further development. Providers who are not successful at first assessment may reapply after a minimum of six months. A re-assessment fee applies - see the full schedule of fees (link to doc).
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Yes. Providers have 28 days from receipt of their report to submit an appeal. There is no charge for doing so. Full details of the appeals process are set out in the LP Provider Handbook (link to download this here).
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Yes. All assessment activity takes place remotely. There are no site visits, no travel costs and no expenses to cover. If you would prefer an in-person visit, this can be arranged (additional fees apply).
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Yes. The Learning Post Accreditation assesses providers against all six standards. Accreditation is not awarded where a provider demonstrates significant weakness in any one standard.
