Ofqual’s Principles – advice note

This advice note provides support to awarding organisations (AOs) to further understand Ofqual's Principles Condition. It is not statutory guidance, and awarding organisations may choose to, but do not need to have regard to this document when deciding how to comply with their Conditions of Recognition.

Within this advice note, Ofqual will provide case studies to help AOs to understand the types of actions and behaviours that Ofqual's Principles Condition seek to promote. It will also offer advice on good practice for AOs to consider when deciding how they will comply with the Principles Condition.

These case studies are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to set a precedent for how AOs must respond to similar incidents, nor do they set a precedent that similar cases will result in identical regulatory decisions by Ofqual. Every case must be assessed on its individual facts and it is rare that any 2 cases will be identical in every way.

The Principles Condition will come into force on 4 December 2025.