Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers surrenders Ofqual status

The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) has surrendered its status as an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation.

WCSM informed Ofqual on 15 March 2019 of its intention to surrender recognition and to transfer any outstanding learners studying for a Level 4 qualification to the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

The surrender took effect as of 1 September 2021. From this date, no qualifications offered by WCSM are regulated by Ofqual.

WCSM previously had 38 regulated qualifications and issued 14 certificates in the last year. All outstanding learners studying for a Level 4 qualification were transferred to ABDO in June 2021. We understand no learners are affected negatively by this surrender.

When awarding organisations are considering surrendering their recognition, we stand ready to discuss the options for proceeding whilst ensuring learners are protected.

A full list of currently recognised awarding organisations and regulated qualifications can be found on the Register of Regulated Qualifications.