Best known as the AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, AIM Qualifications has a long history as an awarding organisation. The history of AIM Awards goes back to the 1970s when they were known as the Open College of the North West.
The open college concept has been around for a while, first starting in Nelson & Colne College's partnership with Lancaster University. The Open College of the North West provided courses and certificates as an alternative route for adults wishing to progress to Higher Education. Since then, the open college concept has become more popular, with colleges and universities partnering up to provide more opportunities for students.
The present AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group was borne out of the merger between AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group and Open College Network West Midlands in September 2022. Course areas include animal care courses, business courses, and childcare courses to name a few.
The open college concept is that each region operates independently within their areas through a network of further education colleges, higher educational institutes and online colleges such as Oxbridge. AIM is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator in England. AIM is also recognised by the Welsh Government as a suitable qualifications provider.
AIM Qualifications is one of the largest and most respected open college networks in the United Kingdom. AIM awards over 80,000 certificates and diplomas each year. AIM's ethos has always been to make a difference by helping people fulfil their potential and reach their goals. AIM's mission is to provide high-quality qualifications that are valued by learners, employers and regulators. Their vision is to be the leading provider of qualifications that meet the needs of individuals, businesses and society. AIM is a not-for-profit organisation, and all surpluses are reinvested into AIM to benefit learners. They are regulated by Ofqual in England, the Welsh Government in Wales, SQA Accreditation in Scotland and CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland.