A practical approach to future-ready education: ASDAN’s new project qualifications

ASDAN’s two new project-based qualifications, the ASDAN Level 1 Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ) and ASDAN Level 2 Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), have been designed to help educators respond to one of the sector’s biggest challenges: how to engage all learners in meaningful, skills-rich learning.

Available for registration from September 2026, ASDAN’s FPQ and HPQ will extend our existing project offer, sitting alongside the ASDAN Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Together, they provide new ways to embed project-based learning across different stages and abilities, rather than solely post-16 learners.

Across the education landscape, there is growing recognition that while exams remain important, they cannot fully capture the breadth of skills young people need to succeed.

Employers and educators alike are placing increasing value on independence, critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. Our new qualifications are designed to meet this need directly.

A practical response to engagement and inclusion

ASDAN’s Project Qualifications enable learners to take ownership of what they study and how they demonstrate their learning.

For many learners, this flexibility can be transformative.

“Project Qualifications are so closely aligned to our DNA as an organisation,” says Cath Moss, ASDAN’s Head of Curriculum Development. “They allow learners to demonstrate their skills in a context that’s meaningful to them, whether that’s through an academic dissertation, an artefact, or a project linked to work experience. That freedom is incredibly powerful for engagement.”

By introducing project qualifications at Levels 1 and 2, ASDAN is enabling educators to bring this approach into the curriculum earlier, supporting learners who may not yet be ready for Level 3 study.

Bringing project learning into the mainstream

Project-based learning is increasingly recognised as a powerful way to develop confidence, independence and transferable skills. The launch of FPQ and HPQ builds on this by making project qualifications accessible to a broader range of learners, moving them beyond an enrichment activity or an option mainly associated with higher-attaining students. This shift allows educators to:

embed project learning earlier in the learner journey
offer alternative ways for learners to demonstrate achievement
support those who may feel disengaged by traditional assessment models
build confidence and independence alongside academic study

Each qualification develops key transferable skills, including planning, research, evaluation and communication, all within a structured, regulated framework.

Michelle Storer, Senior Business Director for Partnerships & MATs at Hays Recruitment, highlights the growing importance of these skills in the workplace:

“We’re seeing a clear shift in what employers across the labour market need from young people entering the workforce. They consistently tell us that what truly sets candidates apart are the transferable skills that enable them to adapt, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions in fast-moving environments.”

Throughout the process, learners retain the autonomy to explore topics aligned with their interests, aspirations or future goals.

“Being able to choose the context for their study is transformative,” Cath adds. “It allows learners to demonstrate what they can do through a topic of personal interest, rather than being limited to what a syllabus dictates.”

Stronger progression, clearer pathways

Not only do the new qualifications bring a fresh focus on accessibility and engagement, they also strengthen progression opportunities across ASDAN’s wider curriculum.

Learners can build towards project qualifications through courses such as Short Courses, Personal Development Programmes and Personal Effectiveness Qualifications, before progressing through FPQ, HPQ and onto EPQ. This creates a structured yet flexible journey, supporting learners to move forward with confidence at each stage.

Importantly, the qualifications are recognised and credible. The EPQ carries UCAS points, while FPQ and HPQ provide Level 1 and Level 2 recognition aligned with GCSE standards, offering meaningful milestones along the way.

Looking ahead

ASDAN is already working with its network of members to prepare for the introduction of FPQ and HPQ. Their arrival will give educators additional tools to personalise learning, increase engagement and deliver outcomes that reflect both academic understanding and practical capability.

More broadly, the launch reflects a continued shift in education towards valuing what learners can do, not just what they can recall.

By expanding access to project-based learning, ASDAN is helping centres create more equitable, motivating and future-focused curriculum, where every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

Find out more

Visit our Project Qualifications page and complete a short expression of interest form to speak with an ASDAN curriculum expert about delivery, planning and next steps.