GOER Principles & Standards
The foundation of trusted online and hybrid education.
The Six Principles
These principles form the foundation of our accreditation framework, guiding every aspect of our standards and evaluation processes.
The Governance Principle
Transparent and ethical oversight
Helps our Standards by setting clear expectations for ethical operation, accountability, and transparency. It ensures providers demonstrate well-structured leadership, responsible decision-making, and robust oversight that safeguard learners and sustain organisational integrity.
The Impact Principle
Intentional, measurable learning growth
Shapes our Standards by ensuring learning impact is intentional, evidence-informed, and visible across diverse learners. It anchors our expectations in measurable outcomes and research-aligned pedagogy, guiding providers to design learning that promotes engagement, autonomy, and sustained learner growth.
The Delivery Principle
Secure, accessible digital learning
Assists our Standards by defining expectations for reliable, accessible, and learner-centred delivery systems. It ensures learning is supported by secure, well-designed platforms and intentional digital practices that enable effective engagement, inclusion, and success.
The Sustainability Principle
Responsible & environmentally mindful operations
Informs our Standards by embedding environmental and social responsibility into policy, practice, and culture. It ensures providers demonstrate conscious operations, responsible use of resources, and meaningful contribution to long-term community and sector impact.
The Belonging Principle
Inclusive, safe learner culture
Underpins our Standards by placing safeguarding, inclusion, representation, and learner voice at their core. It ensures providers create safe, inclusive environments where every learner is respected, supported, and able to participate with confidence.
The Progress Principle
Visible learner development & recognition
Guides our Standards by recognising achievement, celebrating growth, and using evidence of learning to inform next steps. It ensures learner development is visible, meaningful, and continuously supported through high-quality feedback and structured pathways for improvement.
Detailed Evidence Matrix
For a granular breakdown of exactly what evidence is required at each tier for every principle, explore our interactive Evidence Matrix.
Explore the MatrixThe Pathway Principle
GOER ACCREDITATION is a journey of continuous improvement. Providers progress through four stages—Starter, Established, Advanced, and Pioneer—each requiring increasing evidence of quality, impact, and leadership. This pathway ensures sustainable excellence while supporting organizations at every stage of development.
Your GOER Accreditation Journey
Emerging awareness
Who it's for:
New providers or those beginning their quality improvement journey
Key Evidence:
- Basic policies and procedures documented
- Initial learner feedback collection systems
Recognition:
Listed in GOER directory with "Starter" badge, showing commitment to quality standards
Solid progress
Who it's for:
Providers with 12+ months operational history and consistent quality delivery
Key Evidence:
- Evidence of positive learner outcomes over multiple cohorts
- Demonstrated financial stability and governance structures
Recognition:
Full GOER accreditation seal, priority listing in directory, eligible for quality mark use
Consistent high quality
Who it's for:
High-performing providers demonstrating excellence and innovation
Key Evidence:
- Exceptional learner outcomes with third-party verification
- Published impact research or case studies
Recognition:
Advanced Provider status, speaking opportunities at GOER events, mentoring roles for emerging providers
Sector-leading innovation
Who it's for:
Sector-leading providers setting new standards and driving innovation
Key Evidence:
- Sustained excellence across all four principles for 3+ years
- Significant contribution to educational research or policy
Recognition:
Pioneer Provider status, GOER advisory board opportunities, flagship case study features
GOER Standards by Provider Type
Each provider type has specific core standards tailored to their educational context and delivery model.
Online School Standards
Comprehensive curriculum aligned with educational standards
Qualified teachers with appropriate teaching credentials
Regular assessment and reporting systems
Parent/guardian communication and involvement frameworks
Safeguarding and child protection policies
Accessible learning platforms suitable for age groups
Social and emotional learning support systems
Online Tutoring Standards
Verified tutor qualifications and background checks
Clear learning objectives and progress tracking
Flexible scheduling and booking systems
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Quality assurance and tutor evaluation processes
Learner progress reporting to parents/learners
Data protection for learner information
Hybrid Learning Course Standards
Integrated online and offline learning design
Safe physical learning environments meeting health standards
Technology infrastructure supporting seamless transitions
Staff trained in both online and in-person delivery
Consistent quality across both delivery modes
Clear attendance and participation expectations
Emergency protocols for both online and physical disruptions
Study Skills, Application & Digital Learning Platform Standards
Industry-relevant curriculum with employer input
Qualified instructors with current industry experience
Practical skills assessment and certification
Industry partnerships and placement opportunities
Career support and job readiness services
Recognition of prior learning frameworks
Regular curriculum updates reflecting industry changes
Esports & E-athlete Programme Standards
Accredited degree programs with academic rigor
Faculty with terminal degrees and research credentials
Robust academic integrity and assessment policies
Library and research resources accessible online
Student services including counseling and career support
Quality assurance aligned with higher education standards
Clear pathways for credit transfer and recognition
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Start your accreditation process today and join the global community of trusted education providers.