At OLA we believe that children need recognition and praise. We utilise our qualifications and awards in order to show children what they have achieved and how far they have come.

All awards and qualifications are designed to assist children and young people in developing their character, personal development and reintegration into school.

We also offer targeted transition packages for children moving from year 6 to 7. This is through our "Lift Off" challenge detailed at the bottom of the page.

We work with major awarding bodies and offer a range of options to meet the academic needs and abilities of the children we work with.

Qualifications and Awards

NCFE Employability (for ages 14 +)

This qualification aims to develop and enhance skills required for the working environment and improve learners’ confidence and communication skills to prepare them for employment or for a change in employment.

NCFE Horticulture (for ages 14 +)

The NCFE Level 1 Horticulture qualification introduces young people to basic gardening skills, including soil preparation, plant care, and safe tool use. It provides a practical foundation for further study or entry-level roles in horticulture and land-based industries.

NCFE - Preparing to Learn

This qualification is useful for learners who are embarking on a programme of study, such as GCSE. It will help learners to understand and cope with the demands that will be placed on them during their studies.

NCFE - Garden Horticulture

This unit is suitable for learners aged 16 and above who prefer a practical, hands-on approach. It provides the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to pursue horticulture and gardening.

Duke of Edinburgh - Skills

Developing a skill not only improves something you're passionate about but also builds confidence and equips you to use that skill effectively now and in the future.

Asdan Awards - Gardening

The gardening short course offers exciting and rewarding activities to develop skills and knowledge through gardening. This course helps learners develop practical gardening skills, as well as personal, social and work-related skills. Certification is available for 10–60 hours of work.

Asdan Awards - Personal Development Programme

Boosts learners’ confidence by helping them recognise and develop their personal qualities and abilities
Empowers students by giving them ownership of their learning
Broadens learners’ experiences through a wide range of challenges
Rewards achievement through certification for 10 hours of work upwards

Asdan Awards - Food wise

Learn what is meant by healthy eating and wellbeing
Learn and demonstrate the skills and techniques needed to cook
Gain an understanding of the importance of sustainability and cooking on a budget
Learn about aspects of the food industry and how it operates

National Outdoor Learning Award

The National Outdoor Learning Award is designed to celebrate and capture personal development in any outdoor learning experience. The award focuses on 18 personal development skills which stem from six core values: associated with “safety, learning, respect, yourself, others and the environment”.

Secondary School Transition - Lift Off

Lift Off is an activity-based programme that develops soft skills and builds self-esteem to help learners make a successful transition from primary to secondary school. It consists of activities designed to develop learners' skills in 18 key characteristics that will aid their progression.
Lift Off will help learners to manage their own learning, recognise their strengths and the characteristics they need to develop, and prepare for their future.