Colleges and training providers continue to support large volumes of learners through Functional Skills and GCSE resits, often alongside complex vocational programmes and increasing pressure on staff as policy expectations evolve.
Following the education and skills white paper, demonstrating progress and reducing resits in English and maths is now a clear priority for government, with this focus increasingly reflected in Ofsted’s inspection approach. As a result, training providers and colleges are under growing pressure not just to deliver these qualifications, but to evidence impact and improve outcomes more consistently.
Pass has developed a solution that supports this approach through evidence-based maths and English delivery, giving educators and learners confidence in when a learner is ready to pass.
Removing the Barrier
Maths and English remain a barrier for many learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. At the same time, tutors are managing increasing workloads, balancing delivery, assessment and administrative responsibilities.
However, with the right tools and support in place, meaningful progress is possible. Pass is proud to support HIT Training (HIT), part of The Opportunity Provider group, whose experience in working with a large and diverse apprenticeship population reflects this. Many of HIT’s learners arrive without prior success in English and maths, often carrying negative experiences from school:
Many of our adult apprentices left school without GCSE English or maths… the prospect of tackling these subjects alongside a demanding apprenticeship can feel overwhelming… getting the right starting point is essential in breaking down these barriers.
Micaela Barlow FIH, Quality and Curriculum Director at The Opportunity Provider
Improving Pass Rates
Many providers are now moving towards more data-driven delivery models, using insight to target interventions more effectively and improve learner outcomes.
At Pass, this approach underpins the design of the platform, which brings together the full learner journey in one place, from initial assessment and diagnostics through to structured learning and AI-powered mock exams.
For providers like HIT, this joined-up approach has addressed a long-standing gap:
Until now, we had not found an integrated initial assessment, diagnostic, and exam-preparation system that worked cohesively. Pass has changed that.
The impact of a more structured led approach is already being seen in delivery. At HIT, working with Pass has driven significant improvements in both engagement and achievement, with first time Pass rates now above 80 per cent:
Our success rates, already strong, are now exceptional… first-time Pass rates have soared beyond our expectations… learners are more confident, more willing to practise, and more motivated to succeed.
Effective Reporting
Alongside improved learner outcomes, educators and curriculum managers using Pass are also seeing operational benefits, including a significant reduction in marking time and improved visibility of reporting.
Pass is designed to support learners, tutors and senior leaders, combining an accessible user experience with detailed insight into performance and progress.
As HIT notes:
“Pass is an accessible, well-designed platform that just makes sense. Its intuitive interface, high quality learning resources and reliable reporting tools create a supportive learning environment for all users.”
Support from Awarding Organisations
Awarding organisations are also rethinking how they support centres beyond the final assessment.
Through their partnership with TQUK, Pass has developed a digital mock assessment platform that brings together diagnostics, past papers and automated marking in one place.
TQUK has long placed innovation at the centre of its approach, from remote invigilation to digital certification. This partnership builds on that foundation by extending support throughout the learner journey.
As TQUK explains:
We aren’t just invested in the outcome; we want to support learners throughout their journey… the ability to sit mock exams digitally gives learners an extra layer of comfort… they can benefit from instant feedback through AI marking.
Chris Brown, Head of Sales & Marketing at TQUK
TQUK past papers, previously only available as downloads, are now embedded directly into the Pass platform, allowing learners to complete them in a digital environment with immediate feedback.
Looking Ahead
As the sector responds to the findings of the skills white paper and increasing scrutiny from Ofsted, it is becoming essential for educators to ensure their maths and English delivery can clearly evidence progress and demonstrate that learners are entered for GCSE and Functional Skills exams only when they are ready to pass. There is now a more effective way to reduce ongoing resits and improve outcomes.
For providers reviewing their approach, the message from HIT is clear:
Book a demo with Pass now. You have everything to gain from exploring what’s possible.
To find out more about how Pass can support your provision, see the links below.
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