Applying for the ICT Mark: Next Steps for renewing schools

There are many reasons to renew your ICT Mark Accreditation. Follow the link to see some of them!

New renewal processes were introduced on the 1st June 2011.

For all options you will need to have worked through the Self-review Framework.  You will need to double-check that you have met or exceeded the ICT Mark threshold in all aspects and updated your supporting commentary or evidence. You can access the Self-review Framework at http://www.naacesrf.com.

If you have the ICT Mark you now have a choice of three options for renewing your accreditation. When you have decided which option to choose book here.

Option 1

Have a full assessment visit.

If you choose this option you will receive a half day fixed price visit from an ICT Mark assessor who will carry out a full assessment  just the same as your original application. You will have the benefit of their considerable experience in having a detailed look at your ICT provision as it affects all aspects of school life together with a detailed report highlighting your strengths and areas for development recommendation.

Choose this option if your school has undergone considerable change since the last assessment and you value the rigour and experience that an experienced assessor can bring to your school.

Option 2

Renew without a visit.

If you choose this option you will update your Self-review Framework and apply to Naace for renewal. Naace will examine your evidence, and will usually request additional documentation and/or call to discuss it with you before granting the renewal. 

Choose this option if you have maintained direction and focus on ICT since your last assessment. You will have maintained your Self-review Framework and have continued to develop and mature in your ICT provision.

Option 2 renewals are designed as a fast track process and the reduced fee is offered where a visit is not required; Naace does however arrange an assessor visit for a proportion of Option 2 renewals and in this case the standard Option 1 renewal fee will be charged.

Option 3

Renew with a pre-renewal support visit.

If you choose this option you will get advice and support prior to renewing. A licenced ICT Mark consultant will arrange to visit your school and work through an agenda agreed with yourselves prior to the visit. This visit will generally take a detailed look at your priorities and development plans with you and make recommendations going forward. There is no fixed price for this consultancy- you will make the arrangements directly with the consultant regarding time in school and costs. The consultant will give you a report and make a recommendation regarding your ICT Mark renewal. Subject to the grade achieved on this report the school will be able to apply for their ICT Mark renewal at a significantly reduced fee. See table below for details. Please note: use the "book here" button above to apply for the renewal once you have received your visit report.

Choose this option if you would value the flexibility of choosing your own consultant and having more control over the agenda.

Further information about renewals

Options 2 and 3 are only available for schools:

• either renewing within the 3 year period
• or renewing within  6 months of the expiry date (* but see below for limited time special offer to renewing schools with lapsed ICT Mark award)

Consultants supporting schools with a pre renewal support visit will produce a report allocating the level of the school in relation to the Self-review Framework according to the following criteria:

• Level 1: Meets the ICT Mark threshold in all respects at the time of the support visit. Recommendation: the school may apply for renewal without providing further evidence.
• Level 2: Borderline in one or more aspect; school can easily achieve threshold with attention to specified aspects. Recommendation: the school may apply for renewal without an assessor visit by providing evidence that they have met the threshold level in the specified aspects.
• Level 3: School is borderline or below in several aspects but the school management are capable of meeting the threshold no longer than six months after the ICT Mark expiry date. Recommendation: the school may apply for renewal without an assessor visit by providing evidence that they have met the threshold level in the specified aspects.
• Below Level 3: School is borderline or below in several aspects and it is unlikely that the school can put measures in place within six months of the renewal date expiry to meet the threshold. Recommendation: School will require an assessed visit when they are ready to proceed.

All schools have until the expiry date to meet requirements, or with six months after expiry (with payment of additional fee). Schools below Level 3 have standard assessment visit when they are ready.

All ICT Mark assessors are automatically licensed to carry out pre-renewal support visits.

*3-19 all through schools: Price on application

Pre-renewal support visits and associated costs are arranged directly between schools and Licensed ICT Mark Consultants or through your Local Authority or other consultancy groups.

* Special time limited offer to renewing schools - offer extended

If your ICT Mark has lapsed by more than six months you will normally need to have a full assessed visit. However, you may access the above no visit renewal scheme if you have a lapsed ICT Mark even if it is over six months overdue as long as your renewal is completed before the end of April 2012. 

Help?

The ICT Mark office is staffed to provide a support service for you as you engage with the assessment process. Please email us at ictmark@naace.co.uk or telephone 0115 945 7242 and we will do our best to deal with your query promptly. Book your renewal here.