USAAC Core accredits the quality of the whole school. Endorsements recognise excellence in a specialist area, built on that foundation. Every award has three levels, so every institution has a clear path to grow.
Preparing learners to create, build and use technology responsibly, and to turn ideas into value and careers.
Recognises schools where learners investigate, design, build and test through science, computing, engineering, robotics and technical AI, with the arts woven in as a genuine design discipline.
View framework AIDL
Recognises schools that use AI and digital technology in human-centred, ethical and effective ways, teach every learner AI literacy and online safety, and build cyber resilience beyond the Core baseline.
View framework IEC
Recognises schools where learners create value for others across all subjects, build financial literacy, and think about, explore and experience their future working lives.
View frameworkEvery learner included, healthy and growing in character, wellbeing and leadership.
Recognises schools where every learner, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access, take part in and progress through learning designed for variability from the start.
View framework HWB
Recognises schools that promote the mental, physical, social and digital wellbeing of learners and staff through a whole-school, health-promoting approach.
View framework LCD
Recognises schools that deliberately cultivate good character, ethical reasoning and responsible leadership, giving every learner real opportunities to lead, serve and grow.
View frameworkLanguages, intercultural understanding and sustainability, aligned to UN SDG target 4.7.
Recognises schools where learners build real proficiency in additional languages, plurilingual and intercultural competence, and the knowledge, values and agency of global citizens, in line with UN SDG target 4.7.
View framework SGS
Recognises schools that teach climate and sustainability well, run measurably greener operations and act with their communities, aligned with all four dimensions of the UNESCO Green School Quality Standard.
View frameworkSchools holding Core and every endorsement in a pathway may use the pathway title. All are reviewed in one combined visit, with each topic assessed only once.
Core +
Core +
Levels are cumulative and awarded with the same published rules in every framework. Each includes a digital badge and verifiable certificate.
Quality Assured
Sound practice is in place across most of the school, leadership is secure, and any area still developing has a clear improvement plan.
At least 75% of standards at Established or above, or 65% when at least a quarter are at Advanced or Elite, including every leadership standard (and, for Core, safer recruitment, health & safety and the safeguarding gate).
Excellence in Practice
Practice is embedded, monitored with evidence and improving outcomes in most areas.
No standard still Developing, and at least 60% at Advanced or above, with at least one Advanced standard in every area.
Sector Leadership
Proven impact over at least two years in its areas of strength, and a school that helps others improve.
Advanced requirements met, at least 75% at Advanced or above, and at least one third at Elite across at least half of the areas.
Valid 5 years, with an interim progress report at 2.5 years.
Valid 3 years, with a short annual update.
Valid 1–3 years, depending on the certification level.
USAAC coordinates one self-study and one combined peer review for Core and any endorsements, so shared evidence is submitted once.
