FAQs FAQs
How can I apply for the Quality Mark?
How can I find out if my local authority is in the partnership?
What happens if my LA is NOT in the partnership?
What is the application procedure?
What are the 10 elements?
How long will it take to gain the Quality Mark?
How long is the award valid for?
How much does it cost to apply for the Quality Mark?
How do I renew the Quality Mark?
Can Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) apply for the Quality Mark?
We are a middle school. Which award do we apply for?
Which Quality Mark should a special school apply for?
What do we receive when we have achieved the award?
How much are the Quality Mark materials?
Can we use the logo on our letterhead?
Is there a limit to the size the logo can be displayed at?
How can I apply for the Quality Mark?
Local authorities are in partnership with the Alliance for Lifelong Learning to assess the Quality Mark. You need to contact your local authority to discuss the assessment process. Their details are on our database.
How can I find out if my local authority is in the partnership?
The Quality Mark database contains the list of all the local authorities who are in partnership with us.
What happens if my LA is NOT in the partnership?
Your school will still be able to apply for the Quality Mark. Many authorities in the partnership have agreed to assess schools outside their area and we also have accredited assessors who we can put you in contact with. Please get in touch with us to take your assessment forward.
What is the application procedure?
You need to contact your local authority and discuss the application process with them as this differs between authorities. The contact details are available on the QM database. If your LA is not in partnership please contact us.
What are the 10 elements?
The early years 10 elements, primary 10 elements , secondary 10 elements and extended services providers 10 elements of the award can be seen in detail on the web site. You must meet them all in order to qualify for the award.
It will depend on how close you are when you carry out the early years self-audit, primary self-audit, the secondary self-audit or the extended services providers self-audit, and how long it takes you to prepare the evidence. Some settings and schools have taken as little as two months to achieve it, others have taken over a year.
How long is the award valid for?
The award is valid for three years. During this time your setting or school will be monitored annually.
How much does it cost to apply for the Quality Mark?
The Alliance for Lifelong Learning makes no charge for the award, but you will need to discuss local costs with your assessing authority.
How do I renew the Quality Mark?
The Quality Mark team will contact your school or setting and local authority six months before the renewal date to alert you. You will need to discuss your renewal with the QM contact for the authority, or with the Alliance if your authority is not in partnership, to arrange a time for the renewal assessment. At this assessment you will still need to meet the ten elements and you will also have to show developments that have taken place in the three years and provide evidence of impact.
Can Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) apply for the Quality Mark?
Yes they can. The Quality Mark you apply for will depend on the age range of the pupils.
Any middle school is deemed either primary or secondary. If you are deemed secondary, you apply for the secondary award, but you do not have to meet the criteria for element 6.
Which Quality Mark should a special school apply for?
This will depend on the age and nature of the pupils in your school. An all-through special school can apply for both awards if they feel that they can meet the criteria for all elements. If it is more appropriate to their pupils, they can apply for the primary award.
What do we receive when we have achieved the award?
Your setting or school will receive a plaque for display; an additional Primary or Secondary plaque can be purchased from Tribal shop or by e-mailing us at
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. There are also letters that can be sent to the parents explaining what the school has achieved. You can request a copy of the QM logo from the e-mail address above.
How much are the Quality Mark materials?
Electronic versions are free when downloaded; hard copies of Guidance Booklets come at a charge of £7.05, which includes postage and packaging. A list of resources, with costings, can be found here.
Can we use the logo on our letterhead?
Yes you can. The logo should be used in the colours specified, or in black and white. It can also be used on your school prospectus, in job advertisements, and on your intranet system or web site. A copy of the logo can be sent to you by e-mailing
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and requesting one. Please include your QM Reference number if possible.
Is there a limit to the size the logo can be displayed at?
The logo can be used at any size provided the dimensions are maintained.