AQA Unit Awards

Chooses Your Own AQA Unit Awards

Nicola Johnstone Education

Centre Number: 84685

What are AQA Unit Awards?

The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a flexible learning program that recognises achievement across a wide range of subjects and skills.

It allows learners to gain formal recognition for completing individual units of work, covering everything from core academic subjects to life skills and vocational training.

Each unit is designed to be standalone, meaning learners can tailor their education to suit their interests and needs.

The scheme is widely used in schools, colleges, and training providers to support personalized learning and engagement

What are the levels?

Levels range from pre entry level, entry levels 1,2,3 to Levels 1,2,3. Level 2 is broadly at the standard of GCSE. There is something for everyone to achieve at and enjoy. I am a great believer in stage not age. Children and young people should work at a level appropriate for them to enjoy and achieve success from.

AQA Unit Awards cover a huge variety of topics- not just academic subjects. Everyone can achieve something.

Find The Unit Awards Here

AQA Unit Awards Scheme

How Does it Work?

Each learner needs to be registered with the AQA Unit Award Scheme. There is an annual fee for this. If you are registered with another centre and want to work with me too you will also need to register with me and pay the fee.

You register with Nicola Johnstone Education for the AQA Unit Award Scheme.

Currently I offer:

Choose your own Units Awards

Choose Your Own Units

You do just that....

choose how many you want to complete in a month. There is a recurring monthly payment for this option.

Currently 1 x Unit Awards £20 per month 2 x Unit Awards £38 per month. These can be carried over to the following month to the end of a term.

Ad hoc single units charged at £22,50

OR BUY an annual package to use any time before July 2026.

Do you want to complete units as and when you please over a 12 month period? Pay an annual fee* and complete the units when you please. Units can be split between children within the same family but each child must pay the AQA Registration fee.

12 units £195

24 units £380

48 units £730

Contact me for other quantities or EOTAS packages.

*Annual fee runs from Sept to the following July. Units must be completed by 31st July.

Pay the joining fee per child - please note £24.99 goes to AQA to register in the Unit Awards Scheme, I charge an admin fee on top . This is a one off fee for the year. You will receive registration details which includes a learner number.
Choose if you want a monthly recurring fee and the number of units you wish to complete (currently 1 or 2). You may share the unit allocation between families but all children who submit units must be registered and have paid the fee.
Instead of a monthly recurring fee ypu may decide to buy a bundle to complete at any point throughout the year.
You can find the awards here: AQA | Programmes | Unit Award Scheme | Search all units
Start to work your way through the unit making sure you evidence the learning required.
Submit your work to be marked- this can bein the form of photographs, workbooks, or videos.
If there is not enough evidence you may be asked to resubmit but don't worry- we will give you support in what is needed.
Wait for your certificate to arrive in the post

Nicola Johnstone

I am a specialist teacher for dyslexia and dyscalculia. I tutors and mentor children and young people who have SEND and young people who are unable to attend school. I also offers webinars to parents to empower them to support their children.

I taught in mainstream schools for 21 years before leaving the profession to home educate my own children.

I am a professional member of The British Dyslexia Association and the Dyslexia Guild. I hold an Assessment Practising certificate enabling me to carry out diagnostic assessments for Disabled Students Allowance.

I am passionate about the right of all children to receive an education suitable to their needs and abilities.

Be a Founding Member in 2026.

What is the AQA Unit Award Scheme?

The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) gives both children and adults the chance to complete short units of work and gain certificates from AQA — a recognised exam board. These certificates showcase the skills, knowledge and experience they’ve developed. With over 18,500 units to choose from, learners working with Nicola Johnstone Education can choose the ones that suit them best from the full database or follow Functional Skills Unit Awards with the view of taking the Functional Skills exam a the end.

UAS is designed to make learning accessible for everyone. Each time a learner completes a unit, they earn a certificate. Over time, they can build up a collection that clearly shows what they’ve achieved. It’s a great way to boost confidence, improve motivation and support progress in learning — wherever that journey may lead. You can browse all available units here.

Can I just do the AQA Units that relate to functional skills or do I have to sit the exam?

You can just complete the AQA Unit Awards that relate to Functional Skills. You do not need to sit the exam if you don't want to. It is entirely your choice.

How much does it cost?

In Sept 2025 the fees are as follows:

All learners £35 registration fee (£24.99 of this goes directly to AQA)

Functional Skills Maths monthly fee £28

Functional Skills English £28

Functional Skills Maths and English £52

Choose Your Own Units 2 x units per month £20

4 x units per month £35

If I choose my own units, can I share the monthly allowance between my children?

Yes- you can allocate the units however you see fit amongst members of your own family. Each child muct be registered with the AQA Unit Award scheme at a fee of £35 however.

What level should my child be at?

I am a great believer in 'stage' not 'age.' There is no 'should.' The units are skills based, not age based.

That is why I wanted to offer the UAS.

Depending on ability I would advise selecting from rom Pre-Entry Level, Entry Level and Level 1 for primary and secondary students. It may be that they work at Entry Level for some things and Level 1 or 2 for others. It is entirely up to you- you can tailor the curriculum as you see best and if following the choose your own option you can vary the levels.

What are the benefits of the AQA Unit Award Scheme?

The AQA Unit Award Scheme is a brilliant fit for home educating families.

It offers a flexible, low-pressure way to recognise your child’s learning as it happens, with certificates awarded for each completed unit.

You’re free to choose topics that genuinely interest your child, at a level that suits them — no rigid age expectations or one-size-fits-all approach.

You can choose the number of units you work towards each month.

You can choose how to evidence the learning (photograph, video, feedback sheet, worksheet etc)

It’s a great way to build confidence, track progress, and create a tangible record of their skills and achievements — all backed by a recognised exam board.

You can use the certificates as evidence of learning for your Local Authority should you wish to.

If you flolow the functional Skills scheme and then do not wish to sit the exam you will still have the Unit Award Certificates to celebrate learning.

Where can I find the Terms and Conditions?

You can find the T and C's here: Nicola Johnstone Education Unit Awards

Can I cancel?

You can cancel the monthly membership at any time at all. I cannot give a refund for the AQA Unit Award Registration fee as this will have been paid to AQA. Instead you could choose to to submit Units for £15 per unit as and when required.

Step 1 Pay the AQA Unit Award Registration fee .

Step 2 Complete the details for your learner to receive AQA Awards.

Step 3 Choose your package-pay monthly or annually

Step 4 Receive your login details and an invite to the Facebook group

Your InfoAQA Registration Fee

Payment