Catch22 reserves the right to amend this policy, following consultation, where appropriate.
Date of last review: October 2025
Date of next review: August 2026
What is the policy about?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process by which learners can gain credit towards qualifications based on evidence from previous summative assessments and achievements. This process acknowledges and values an individual’s prior knowledge, skills, and competencies by comparing them against the requirements of a standard. RPL serves as a method of assessment leading to the award of credit, where learners can demonstrate that they already meet the assessment requirements for a unit or parts of a unit through knowledge, understanding, or skills they have already acquired.
The College is committed to providing all learners with the opportunity to have their individual learning programmes reflect their prior learning, knowledge, and skills. Learners will be encouraged during interview and enrolment to reflect on their past experiences and achievements. By doing so, RPL may:
- enable learners to access a particular course,
- provide evidence for accreditation or formal credit towards nationally recognised qualifications, or
- exempt learners from the usual entry requirements or parts of a course.
Who does this policy apply to?
This policy applies to Catch22 College staff involved with the onboarding of learners to Catch22 College with any ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’.
Policy requirements
RPL process
When considering RPL as a route to accreditation, the assessor will undertake a range of activities that may differ from traditional practices. Assessors applying RPL must always check specific requirements with the relevant awarding organisation on each occasion.
Acceptable evidence of RPL includes, but is not limited to:
- Evidence of learners successfully completing the assessment criteria for a whole or part of a unit within a qualification.
- Evidence of recent prior study (within the last two years) that meets the assessment criteria of the current programme of study.
- RPL must be incorporated into the relevant sampling plan as an assessment method and is subject to Internal Quality Assurance (IQA).
Circumstances when prior learning will not be recognised include, but are not limited to:
Learning that is similar to assessment criteria but falls below the level required for the current programme of study.
- Prior learning that is more than two years old.
- Prior learning that has been referred by an assessor.
- Prior learning that has not been assessed by an official assessor.
Assessment of prior learning
All prior learning submitted by a learner must be complemented by a professional discussion to ensure that the learner’s knowledge of the application aligns with the requirements of the assessment criteria.
The assessor receiving the learner’s prior learning must be satisfied that the evidence meets the assessment criteria for which it has been submitted. If evidence from prior learning is weak, the assessor must plan additional work with the learner as appropriate.
Assessors applying RPL must check specific requirements with the relevant awarding organisation on each occasion.
Annual review
The College will conduct an annual review of the RPL process to ensure that it remains effective, fair, and aligned with current qualifications and awarding organisation requirements. The review will include where applicable:
- An assessment of the consistency and effectiveness of RPL applications across different delivery teams.
- A review of any changes in regulations or awarding body criteria that may impact the RPL process.
- Feedback from assessors, learners, and relevant stakeholders to identify potential areas for improvement.
- An audit of the evidence used in RPL decisions to ensure it aligns with assessment criteria and meets internal quality assurance standards.
- Recommendations for adjustments or updates to the RPL policy and procedure, if necessary.
The outcomes of this review will inform the continuous improvement of RPL practices, ensuring that they remain relevant and accessible for all learners.
Related policies
- Admissions Policy – Catch22 Colleges
- Assessment and IQA Policy – Catch22 Colleges
- Induction & New Start Policy – Catch22 Colleges
- Internal Quality Assurance Strategy Policy – Catch22 Colleges
- Quality Assurance of Teaching & Learning Strategy – Catch22 Colleges
- Registration & Certification Policy – Catch22 Colleges