We hope you’re managing to keep cool during the continued heatwave and finding a few moments to enjoy the summer, even if the weather has made assessment season feel a little warmer than usual.

It has been a busy few months across progress minded and the wider apprenticeship world. We want to start by saying thank you for your patience and support as we have worked through two big areas of change: the apprenticeship reforms and the move from ACE360 to Proficient.

We know system changes take time to settle. We also know the reforms have created lots of questions, planning conversations and decisions for you and your teams. Your flexibility, feedback and willingness to work with us has made a real difference.

Since our last update, our focus has moved from planning to action. AI and Automation Practitioner is live, more reform standards now have confirmed launch dates, and development is moving quickly across our portfolio.

This summer update is about where we are now, what is coming next, and how we can continue to support you through the transition.

From First Launch to Wider Rollout

AI and Automation Practitioner has been our first standard delivered under the new assessment principles, and it is proving popular.

It has been brilliant to see existing partners and new customers trust us with delivery of the first standard launched under the reforms. The conversations and feedback we have had so far have helped shape and strengthen our model in practice.

That matters because we are now using what we have learned to accelerate development for the next group of standards. We are full steam ahead on assessment design, assessment packs, provider guidance and apprentice-facing resources, ready for each standard as it comes through.

We are not standing still, and we are not guessing. We are using live delivery, provider feedback and confirmed launch timelines to build something that is practical, clear and ready to use.

Confirmed Launch Dates

We now have confirmed launch dates for a number of standards in our portfolio.

As each launch date approaches, we will share the relevant assessment guidance and resources so you have what you need in good time.

Two New Standards Joining Our Portfolio

Following requests from existing providers, we are pleased to be expanding our offer with two new Level 4 standards.

Applications Support Lead is a natural fit for our digital portfolio. It supports progression from standards such as IT Solutions Technician and Digital Support Technician, giving you another option for building clear digital pathways with employers.

Junior Management Consultant strengthens our growing business category. We have seen strong traction in this area, including increased enrolments for Service Designer and Career Development Professional, as both we and providers respond to evolving government priorities and employer needs.

Both standards are available to discuss now if you are planning future delivery.

Help Shape Our Resit and Retake Policy

Skills England has now provided further guidance on resits and retakes for apprenticeship assessment.

This confirms that assessment organisations have the power to set their own resit and retake policy, including whether apprentices can resit to improve their grade from Pass to Distinction.

This is an important decision, and we do not want to shape the policy without your input.

We would like your views on how this should work in practice, including how resits should be managed, what the process should look like, and how we balance fairness, quality and practicality for apprentices, employers and providers.

Click here to complete the survey.

Your feedback will help shape our approach for reform standards.

2026/2027 Service Level Agreement

Our Service Level Agreement for the 2026/2027 academic year will be sent out in the next week or two.

We are pleased to confirm that we have not increased our prices again this year. This is now the third year in a row that our prices have remained the same.

There are some updates to the agreement, including a change to when volume discounts apply.

We will send the full documents shortly, with clear information on what has changed.

Thank You

Thank you again for your patience, feedback and partnership during a busy period of change.

The move to Proficient, the launch of reform standards and the preparation for the new academic year have all required time, focus and collaboration. We really appreciate the way you have worked with us throughout.

Our focus remains the same: making assessment simple, fair and human, while supporting apprentices, providers and employers through each stage with clarity and care.

If you would like to understand more about our approach, or talk through delivery plans for a specific standard, please contact the Support Team at Support@progressminded.co.uk or Laura at Laura.Thurlow@progressminded.co.uk.

We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer, stay cool where you can, and find some time to recharge before the new academic year begins.

Warm wishes,
The progress minded team