GOER Principles & Standards
“The foundation of trusted online and hybrid education.”
GOER’s Principles outline the core values that define high-quality online and hybrid education—impact, governance, safeguarding, delivery, belonging, sustainability, and learner progress.
Our Standards turn these principles into a clear, practical framework. Through four tiers—Starter, Builder, Achiever, and Pioneer—providers can understand their current level, evidence strong practice, and work towards excellence.
Together, the Principles and Standards ensure that GOER-accredited organisations deliver safe, effective, and learner-centred education that families and partners can trust.
The Government Principle
Transparent, and ethical oversight
The Impact Principle
Intentional, measurable learning growth
The Delivery Principle
Secure, accessible digital learning
The Sustainability Principle
Responsible & environmentally mindful operations
The Belonging Principle
Inclusive, safe learner culture
The Progress Principle
Visible learner development & recognition
Your GOER Accreditation Journey
Providers progress through GOER by evidencing quality and impact over time
Starter
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
Builder
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
Pioneer
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
Achiever
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
GOER Standards by Provider Type
Select your provider category to view specific accreditation standards
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Core 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
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Core 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
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Core 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
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Core 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
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Core 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
The Impact Principle
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
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
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 Governance Principle
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 Belonging Principle
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
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.
The 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.