Sponsored post

Beyond exams: why ASDAN’s refreshed qualifications are key to real-world learner success

In today’s outcome-driven education landscape, it’s easy to overlook the quieter, yet equally vital, qualities that help learners truly thrive. Self-awareness, resilience, collaboration and independent thinking may not be measured by exam boards, but they are highly valued by employers, further education providers, and young people themselves.

In today’s outcome-driven education landscape, it’s easy to overlook the quieter, yet equally vital, qualities that help learners truly thrive. Self-awareness, resilience, collaboration and independent thinking may not be measured by exam boards, but they are highly valued by employers, further education providers, and young people themselves.

24 Apr 2025, 9:00

Sponsored

As the challenges facing learners continue to evolve, preparing them for life beyond the classroom has never been more important. In response, ASDAN is launching a refreshed suite of Personal Effectiveness Qualifications (PEQs) – designed to support the development of the personal, social and employability skills that underpin long-term success.

Rooted in over 20 years of experience and co-created with educators, the updated PEQs reflect ASDAN’s commitment to inclusive, skills-based learning that empowers all young people to realise their full potential.

Personal growth, real-world relevance

Personal effectiveness is more than a desirable trait, it’s a foundation for lifelong learning. It reflects a learner’s ability to understand themselves, manage their learning, relate well to others and contribute positively to society.

The refreshed PEQs turn this into a structured, accredited qualification that promotes self-awareness, self-regulation and resilience – not just in theory, but through practical, real-life learning experiences.

Learners build skills by engaging in tasks that reflect the challenges and responsibilities of real life – such as leading group work, supporting peers, and contributing to school or community initiatives. These experiences build confidence, strengthen communication, and help learners make meaningful connections between what they do now and who they aspire to be.

“Personal effectiveness isn’t just about academic outcomes,” explains Kerrie King, ASDAN’s thematic lead. “It’s about fostering self-confidence, adaptability and the ability to work effectively with others. Education should be rooted in relevance, preparing learners to meet challenges and unlock their potential.”

Designed for flexibility, driven by impact

The PEQ suite, offered at Entry Level 3 and Levels 1 and 2, is designed to be flexible, accessible and impactful. Each learner follows a personalised pathway aligned to their interests and ambitions, across three broad themes:

  • Personal and social development
  • Careers and work-related learning
  • Citizenship and community engagement

The qualifications are adaptable to the needs of a wide range of settings – including alternative provision, specialist settings, mainstream schools and post-16 providers.

Activities are hands-on and purposeful, allowing learners to develop communication, leadership, problem-solving and time management skills. At the same time, the PEQs support whole-school priorities, contributing to Ofsted’s personal development and behaviour and attitudes judgements.

Evidence-based and practice-informed

The updated qualifications have been developed in close consultation with educators, learners and sector experts. ASDAN also drew on the latest educational research, particularly around the impact of social and emotional learning on learner progress and wellbeing.

Each unit incorporates opportunities for structured reflection and metacognition, encouraging learners to build a growth mindset and develop strategies to overcome challenges.

By reflecting on how they manage responsibilities, build confidence and contribute to their communities, learners strengthen the skills that help them succeed not just in education, but in all areas of life. These are not optional extras – they are the essential building blocks of progress and wellbeing.

Support every step of the way

ASDAN is committed to supporting educators as they bring the refreshed PEQs to life. The qualifications are backed by a robust programme of professional development, practical guidance and exemplar resources.

From onboarding to moderation, the ASDAN team is on hand to ensure confident and effective delivery.

“We know that educators are under pressure,” says Kerrie King.
“That’s why we’ve designed the PEQs and support materials to be straightforward to implement, while still delivering meaningful outcomes for learners.”

A qualification for equity and opportunity

With a renewed focus on values, voice, and visibility, ASDAN’s refreshed PEQs reflect the belief that learning should be a tool for personal and social transformation.

By recognising and nurturing strengths that lie beyond the exam hall, these qualifications offer a pathway to future success – whether in further education, training, employment or community life.

For learners of all backgrounds and starting points, the PEQs help build the skills, confidence and sense of purpose needed to move forward in an ever-changing world.

Visit the ASDAN website to find out more about the Personal Effectiveness Qualifications and attend an upcoming information session.

Latest education roles from

Executive Director of Finance – Moulton College

Executive Director of Finance – Moulton College

FEA

Director of Governance – HRUC

Director of Governance – HRUC

FEA

Principal and CEO

Principal and CEO

Hills Road Sixth Form College

Senior Quality Officer

Senior Quality Officer

University of Lancashire

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

IncludEd Conference: Get Inclusion Ready

As we all clamber to make sense of the new Ofsted framework, it can be hard to know where...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Helping every learner use AI responsibly

AI didn’t wait to be invited into the classroom. It burst in mid-lesson. Across UK schools, pupils are already...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Retire Early, Live Fully: What Teachers Need to Consider First

Specialist Financial Adviser, William Adams, from Wesleyan Financial Services discusses what teachers should be considering when it comes to...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

AI Safety: From DfE Guidance to Classroom Confidence

Darren Coxon, edtech consultant and AI education specialist, working with The National College, explores the DfE’s expectations for AI...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Sponsored post

How accurate spend information is helping schools identify savings

One the biggest issues schools face when it comes to saving money on everyday purchases is a lack of...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Building Character, Increasing Engagement and Growing Leaders: A Whole School Approach

Research increasingly shows that character education is just as important as academic achievement in shaping pupils’ long-term success. Studies...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Educators launch national AI framework to guide schools and colleges

More than 250 schools and colleges across the UK have already enrolled in AiEd Certified, a new certification framework...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

How Learner-Led Computing Promotes Student Engagement

For 15 years, Apps for Good has been championing digital education, empowering young people from all backgrounds - especially...

SWAdvertorial

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *