QA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) at HEAH

Celebrating every step forward - because all progress matters.

At HEAH: Open Routes for All Learners CIC, we believe learning should be flexible, meaningful, and empowering. That’s why we’re proud to be an approved AQA UAS Centre - giving our learners the opportunity to gain formal recognition for the small steps that lead to big change.

What is the Unit Award Scheme?

The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a nationally recognised framework that rewards learners for completing short units of work. There are no exams, no pressure - just achievable, personalised milestones that build confidence and motivation.

Each completed unit is awarded with an official AQA certificate, celebrating the specific skills, knowledge, or experiences your child has gained.

Why UAS Matters at HEAH

Many learners feel unseen or unsupported in mainstream settings. The UAS changes that.

At HEAH, we use UAS to:

• Recognise progress in real time
•  Build self-esteem through achievement
•  Tailor learning to each learner’s needs and interests
•  Support re-engagement with education
•  Provide evidence of development for families, schools, and commissioners

Whether a learner is passionate about art, enjoys hands-on projects, or needs a gentler route back into learning - the Unit Award Scheme meets them where they are.

How We Deliver UAS

Our offer is:

• Trauma-informed - rooted in emotional safety and trust
• Coaching-led - nurturing curiosity, resilience, and self-belief
• Flexible - units can be adapted to suit each learner’s abilities, goals, and preferred pace
• Evidence-based - each certificate reflects real engagement and skills developed

Our facilitators design and select units that align with each learner’s interests and learning journey.

Sample Units

Some of the UAS units we offer include:

• Creative writing and storytelling
• Expressive arts and performance
• Well-being and emotional regulation
• Nature and outdoor learning
• Life skills (e.g. cooking, budgeting, travel training)
• Physical movement and group collaboration
• Digital literacy and responsible tech use
• Community and cultural exploration

New units are regularly created and tailored in-house to meet the unique strengths of our learners.

What Learners Receive

For each completed unit, learners receive:

• An official AQA Unit Award certificate
• A clear list of what they have learned or achieved
• Recognition they can feel proud of - and show to family, schools, and future educators

There’s no upper limit to the number of certificates learners can earn during their time with us.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re a parent, school, or professional and want to know more about how UAS works as part of our referral-only provision:

Email hello@heah-openroutes.co.uk or use the referral button below

Let’s open up new routes for learners to grow, express, and achieve - one unit at a time.