How to achieve it

A school or setting has to show that, at the time of its primary assessment, secondary assessment or extended services assessment:

• it meets the criteria for all 10 elements of the award either primary, secondary or extended services 
• there is a whole school/setting commitment to improving basic skills
• the performance of learners in basic skills is improving.

Each award is for three years. At the end of that period the award can be renewed for a further three years (and subsequently every three years) provided that the school/setting still meets the criteria for all ten elements and provides evidence that holding the award has had a positive impact on its provision and practice in basic skills.