Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 5th August 2025
Review Date: 5th August 2026
Approved By: Marc Innes, Principal
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that learners who have previously gained relevant knowledge, skills, or experience are treated fairly and consistently when applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Recognition of Prior Learning enables learners to avoid unnecessary duplication of learning where they can demonstrate that they have already achieved the required learning outcomes or competencies for part or all of a course.
This policy supports fair access while maintaining the integrity and standards of all qualifications and training delivered by The School of Natural Therapies.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All learners applying for courses offered by The School of Natural Therapies.
- All tutors and assessors involved in admissions, assessment, and certification.
- All courses where RPL is permitted by the relevant awarding organisation (where applicable).
RPL will only be granted where it is consistent with qualification requirements and does not compromise professional standards or public safety.
3. Definition of Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the formal process of assessing evidence of previous learning against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of a course or qualification.
Prior learning may have been gained through:
- Previous formal qualifications.
- Accredited training.
- Workplace experience.
- Professional practice.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Informal or non-formal learning.
4. Principles
The School of Natural Therapies is committed to ensuring that RPL decisions are:
- Fair and transparent.
- Consistent.
- Evidence-based.
- Free from discrimination.
- Academically rigorous.
- Compliant with awarding organisation requirements (where applicable).
RPL does not guarantee automatic exemption from any part of a course.
5. Evidence Requirements
Applicants must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that they have already met the required learning outcomes.
Evidence may include:
- Certificates and transcripts.
- Course syllabi or unit specifications.
- Portfolios of evidence.
- Records of professional practice.
- Employer references.
- CPD records.
- Case studies.
- Assessment records.
- Practical demonstrations.
- Professional registration or membership where relevant.
The school reserves the right to request additional evidence.
6. Assessment of RPL Applications
Each application will be considered individually.
Assessment may include:
- Review of documentary evidence.
- Professional discussion.
- Skills observation.
- Practical assessment.
- Written assessment.
- Oral questioning.
Evidence should normally be:
- Authentic.
- Current.
- Relevant.
- Sufficient.
- Valid.
Where knowledge or practical skills may have become outdated, applicants may be required to undertake additional assessment or training.
7. Practical Skills
As massage therapy is a practical profession involving client safety, hygiene, communication, and professional conduct, applicants seeking recognition of practical skills may be required to complete a practical assessment before exemptions are granted.
The school may decline to recognise prior practical learning where competence cannot be demonstrated to current standards.
8. Decision Making
Following assessment, the applicant will receive one of the following outcomes:
- Full recognition for the relevant learning outcomes.
- Partial recognition with specified additional learning required.
- Recognition declined, with reasons provided.
Applicants will normally receive a decision within 15 working days of receiving all required evidence.
9. Records
The school will maintain records of:
- Applications received.
- Evidence submitted.
- Assessment decisions.
- Reasons for decisions.
- Any exemptions granted.
Records will be retained in accordance with the school’s Data Protection Policy and applicable UK data protection legislation.
10. Appeals
Applicants who disagree with an RPL decision may appeal.
Appeals should:
- Be submitted in writing within 10 working days of the decision.
- State the reasons for the appeal.
- Include any additional supporting evidence.
An individual not involved in the original decision will review the appeal wherever possible.
The outcome of the appeal will normally be communicated within 15 working days.
11. Responsibilities
School Principal and Course Director(s)
Responsible for:
- Ensuring this policy is implemented.
- Maintaining quality assurance.
- Reviewing the effectiveness of RPL procedures.
- Assessing evidence fairly.
- Keeping appropriate records.
- Making objective decisions.
- Maintaining confidentiality.
Applicants
Responsible for:
- Providing accurate information.
- Supplying appropriate evidence.
- Participating in any required assessments.
- Declaring that submitted evidence is genuine.
12. Fees
The School of Natural Therapies may charge an administration or assessment fee for processing RPL applications. Any fees will be published in advance and communicated before assessment begins.
13. Equality and Diversity
All RPL applications will be considered fairly and without discrimination in accordance with the school’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
Reasonable adjustments will be made where appropriate, provided these do not compromise the competence standards required for safe professional practice.
14. Confidentiality
All information provided as part of an RPL application will be handled confidentially and processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and the school’s Privacy Policy.
15. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, awarding organisation requirements, or operational needs.
RPL Process
- Applicant submits an RPL application.
- Applicant provides supporting evidence.
- School reviews documentation.
- Additional assessment is arranged if required.
- Decision is made.
- Applicant is notified in writing.
- Records are securely retained.
- Appeal process available if required.
