Who is it for
Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 learners- Post 16 - alternative provision and PRUs
- Learners with SEND - content and assessment are adaptable
- Home educated learners - through approved centres or consortium groups
- Teachers and coaches who want a structured pathway with robust quality assurance
Why choose this qualification
Engaging - practical learning that supports attendance and behaviour- Transferable skills - teamwork, communication, planning and reflection
- Conservation minded - aquatic ecology, fish welfare and habitat care
- Safe practise - water safety, risk awareness and equipment care
- Progression - clear next steps into sport, conservation, volunteering and work
- Integrated learning - links to numeracy, literacy, IT, and science through applied outdoor learning
What learners will cover
The draft specification includes:
Water safety and safe conduct near open water- Angling equipment, set up and care
- Casting, playing and landing fish responsibly
- Aquatic ecology and conservation in the UK
- Recording, reflection and personal goal setting
- Teamwork, problem solving and basic event planning
- Next steps in angling, conservation and the rural economy
- Assessment will combine practical observation, short knowledge checks and a learner portfolio. Final structure is subject to awarding body sign off.
Includes broader classroom subjects
The qualification will also connect with broader classroom subjects and transferable learning areas, including:
Numeracy - counting catch, measuring distance, and calculating line weight and reel spooling ratios- Literacy - written reflections, recording findings, and developing notation skills for data and observation
- IT skills - using digital tools to record results, track conservation data, or create presentations
- Science and geography - understanding aquatic habitats, ecosystems, and weather patterns
- Outdoor learning - promoting wellbeing, mindfulness, and a stronger connection to nature
Delivery model
The draft specification includes:
- Blended, classroom sessions, bank side sessions and guided self study
- Coach ratio - typically 1 to 3, adjusted for group needs and venue
- Duration - flexible guided learning hours to fit timetables
- Venues - school grounds where suitable, partner fisheries, community waters
- Safeguarding - all Fishing for Schools coaches are DBS checked, trained and insured
- We will publish a centres handbook with venue standards, kit lists and risk templates.
Centres and partners
We welcome enquiries from schools, colleges, alternative provision, charities and community organisations. Approved centres will meet quality assurance requirements, agree to moderation visits and use standard resources. A train-the-trainer route and a coach licensing model will be offered for partners without in house staff.
Indicative costs and funding
Pricing depends on group size, venue, travel, equipment and the final guided learning hours. We expect tiered pricing for schools and community partners, with bursary support available where funding permits. We will signpost relevant grants and local funding routes in the information pack.
