NOCN

The National Open College Network (NOCN), formerly known as the Open College Network (OCN), is a United Kingdom organisation developed to recognise informal learning achieved by adults.

[1] Later as more organisations formed across the UK, the term Open College Network was adopted, each distinguished by its home geographical area.

The OCNs continue to offer credit-bearing courses and work-based learning programs, in various centres including schools, colleges, voluntary organisations, community centres, trades unions, prisons, training providers, and employers.

[1] The OCNs in England and Wales are all Access Validating Agencies recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education[2] (QAA) for award of Access to Higher Education diplomas.

In 2008, the Welsh OCN, Agored Cymru, ceased to be members of NOCN and in 2013 the majority of English OCNs decided not to renew their agreement with NOCN who had legally changed their company name from the National Open College Network.