EPA Standard
The Learning and Skills Teacher occupation is found in all parts of the Further Education and Skills Sector, usually in settings where students are aged 16 and above. Teaching can be delivered at a range of levels such as academic, vocational and technical education. Learning and Skills Teachers are dual professionals drawing on their technical, vocational and academic experience and qualifications to provide a high-quality learning experience.
An employee in this occupation is responsible for helping to prepare each of their students for progression to employment, progression within employment or to further study. To deliver this to a diverse group of students, including those with special educational needs, a Learning and Skills Teacher needs to be flexible, innovative, and adaptable, changing their behaviour and teaching style to suit the environment and level of their students. The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure that students achieve the best possible outcomes. Learning and Skills Teachers do this by planning and delivering teaching that is current,
comprehensive and challenging, and that inspires students to engage, progress and achieve their full potential.
The apprentice must achieve the following on-programme assessment requirements prior to Gateway:
The decision to take an apprentice through Gateway is made between the employer, Independent Training Provider and apprentice. The apprentice must have completed all the on-programme elements before they enter Gateway.
The EPA for Learning and Skills Teacher v2 contains two methods of assessment as outlined below:
The Lesson Observation and Professional Dialogue involves an Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA) observing the apprentice undertaking work as part of their normal duties in the workplace, and then asking questions during a Professional Dialogue. This allows for demonstration of the KSBs through naturally occurring evidence and questioning during the Professional Dialogue, where any KSBs are not met naturally during the Observation. The total time for this assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes.
Grading: Both methods are equally weighted. Grading will be measured as a Fail, Pass or Distinction.
Lasting for 90 minutes (+10% at the discretion of the IEPA to allow the apprentice to complete their final point), the Professional Discussion is two-way discussion which involves both the IEPA and the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to make detailed and proactive contributions to confirm their competency across the KSBs mapped to this method, and the apprentice may use their Portfolio of Evidence to support their responses.
Grading: Both methods are equally weighted. Grading will be measured as Fail, Pass or Distinction.
| Lesson Observation and Professional Dialogue | Professional Discussion underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence | Overall Grade |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Pass |
| Distinction | Distinction | Distinction |
A Fail in either method will result in an overall Fail.
Once the IEPA verifies the apprentice has successfully completed all EPAs, NCFE will activate certification. Working with the apprenticeship certificate issuing authority, we will ensure the apprentice receives their certificate.
With the employer’s approval, the Learning and Skills Teacher could progress onto curriculum or training leadership roles following an adequate period of experience teaching at this level within the sector
We’re an approved End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) specialising in EPA delivery across health, education, early years, digital, social care, finance and business apprenticeship standards. We offer flexible and reliable EPA solutions supported by sector expertise, guidance documents and proactive service and support.
