In the context of globalised education, the value of a qualification lies not only in its academic title but also in its recognition by national regulatory authorities. For learners undertaking international English-teaching programmes such as the Bachelor Top-Up and Second-Degree TESOL UK, accreditation by Ofqual – the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation – represents the “Gold Standard” of quality and credibility. The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning, regulated by Ofqual, reinforces the academic integrity of the programme while ensuring global recognition and long-term career value for its graduates.

This article introduces the role of the UK-regulated national qualification integrated into the Bachelor in TESOL (Top-Up and Second-Degree) programme and highlights the unique benefits of the double-award structure, where academic excellence meets professional recognition.

Regulatory Framework: Ofqual – The National Qualifications Regulator of the UK Government

Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) is a non-ministerial department of the UK Government reporting directly to the Department for Education (DfE). Every qualification regulated by Ofqual is listed within the national system known as the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

This means that:

• The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning is a nationally regulated qualification assured by the UK Government.
• All awarding organisations (such as OTHM) undergo periodic external audits, academic moderation, faculty-qualification reviews, outcome verification, and assessment-quality evaluations by Ofqual.
• Programme-delivery institutions (in this case, SIMI Swiss) must comply with both their own internal academic-quality standards and the Ofqual-regulated standards required by the UK framework.

Therefore, when a qualification is Ofqual-regulated, learners receive national academic and legal recognition in the UK and may use it for purposes such as:

• Employment within the UK and Commonwealth countries;
• Progression to Master’s/PGCE/QTS routes at UK public universities;
• Eligibility for skilled-migration or work-visa applications (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa), as RQF Level 6 is equivalent to Bachelor’s level.

Academic Framework: National Competence Standards and Global Equivalence

The UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is officially referenced to:

• The European Qualifications Framework (EQF); and
• National qualification frameworks in over 180 countries and territories through the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

Within the Bachelor in TESOL (Top-Up and Second Degree) programme:

• The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning is mapped to RQF Level 6, equivalent to a BA (Hons) degree.
• The qualification integrates the national occupational competence standard for “Teacher Level 6” (Occupational Code OCC0490) under the Skills England framework.
• This equivalence enables mutual recognition between the SIMI Swiss BA in TESOL and the OTHM Level 6 Diploma, forming a double-award structure (academic + professional).

In practice, graduates receive:

• An academic BA in TESOL from SIMI Swiss (Private HEI, Switzerland); and
• A professionally regulated qualification – the OTHM RQF Level 6 Diploma recognised under Ofqual (UK Government).

This combination creates dual academic and professional strengths – a blend of Swiss private educational excellence and UK government-recognised quality assurance.

Professional Value: Ofqual as the “Gold Standard” for Career Recognition and Progression

Within education and TESOL, Ofqual regulation serves as a benchmark for professional trust because it:

• Confirms that learners meet national occupational competence standards and can teach within international education systems.
• Is recognised within the UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) system for international qualification comparability.
• May be used to support applications for employment, promotion, or teacher-licensing processes (e.g., QTS) at recognised educational institutions.

Across many countries – including the UK, Singapore, the UAE and Hong Kong – employers and regulatory agencies often prefer or require Ofqual-regulated qualifications because they are:

• Easily verifiable and publicly searchable via the official register: register.ofqual.gov.uk;
• Assured for practical learning outcomes and real-world employability skills.

Conclusion

Across all dimensions – regulatory, academic, and professional – Ofqual accreditation remains the “Gold Standard” for quality and credibility in international education. By integrating the Ofqual-regulated OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning into the SIMI Swiss BA in TESOL programme, TESOL UK provides learners with a comprehensive academic and career solution – globally recognised, professionally aligned, and designed for modern teaching practice.

References

• Department for Education. (2024). Ofqual: The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual
• Ofqual. (2024). Register of Regulated Qualifications (RQF). Retrieved from https://register.ofqual.gov.uk
• OTHM Qualifications. (2024). Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning (RQF). Retrieved from https://othm.org.uk/qualification/othm-level-6-diploma-in-teaching-and-learning
• UK ENIC. (2023). Recognition of UK qualifications overseas. https://enic.org.uk/
• European Commission. (2023). European Qualifications Framework (EQF): Linking national qualifications systems. https://europa.eu/europass/en/european-qualifications-framework-eqf

Source: TESOL UK – The UK-based TESOL Education System with Ofqual-regulated qualifications recognised for academic and professional quality.