The First Level 5 Coaching Professional Learner Completes Their End-Point Assessment In The UK
- NQual
- Nov 11, 2021
- 3 min read
End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of any apprenticeship, giving learners the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have developed throughout their programme.
For the Coaching Professional Level 5 apprenticeship, reaching EPA marks a significant milestone for both the learner and the training provider.
In this article, we explore what the Coaching Professional Level 5 EPA looks like in practice, using a real example from one of the first learners in the UK to successfully complete the assessment.
What is the Coaching Professional Level 5 EPA?
The End-Point Assessment for the Coaching Professional Level 5 apprenticeship is designed to assess whether learners are fully competent in their role as a professional coach.
Typically, the EPA includes:
A knowledge-based assessment
Practical observation of coaching sessions
A professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence
The EPA takes place once the apprentice has completed their on-programme learning and passed through gateway, confirming they are ready to be assessed.
A Real Example: Completing the First Coaching Professional EPA
Gavin Evans, Chief Executive at Future, Barking and Dagenham Youth Zone (part of the OnSide Network), became one of the first learners in the UK to successfully complete the Coaching Professional Level 5 apprenticeship.
The programme was delivered by Instep UK, with the End-Point Assessment carried out by National EPA.
Debbie Wright, Director of HR at OnSide, highlighted the impact of the programme:
“We strongly believe in investing in our people. As part of the OnSide Talent Academy, we launched the Coaching Professional Level 5 programme to empower our teams and enhance performance.”
She added that the programme has helped to build a coaching culture and unlock potential across the organisation.
The Assessment Experience
In October 2021, Gavin undertook his End-Point Assessment, marking a key milestone for the Coaching Professional apprenticeship standard.
Tracey Kybert, Independent End-Point Assessor, commented:
“I was thrilled to have undertaken the very first EPA for the Coaching Professional standard. I hope this standard will give coaching the recognition it deserves.”
This milestone demonstrated not only the viability of the standard, but also the importance of robust assessment and preparation.
Check out the article on FE News.
What This Means for Training Providers
The successful completion of one of the first Coaching Professional Level 5 EPAs highlights several important points for training providers:
Growing demand for coaching and leadership development across sectors
Increasing importance of EPA preparation in ensuring learner success
The value of structured delivery and support throughout the apprenticeship journey
It also reinforces the need for providers to work closely with an EPAO to ensure apprentices are fully prepared for assessment.
How NQual Supports EPA Delivery
At NQual, we work with training providers to support successful End-Point Assessment delivery across a range of apprenticeship standards.
Our approach focuses on:
Clear guidance throughout the EPA process
Consistent and robust assessment methods
Supporting both centres and apprentices in preparing for assessment
We understand the importance of EPA as a critical stage in the apprenticeship journey, and aim to provide a reliable and supportive assessment experience.
FAQs: Coaching Professional Level 5 EPA
What is the Coaching Professional Level 5 EPA? It is the final assessment stage of the apprenticeship, designed to confirm that learners are fully competent in their role as a coach.
When does EPA take place? EPA takes place after the apprentice has completed their training and passed gateway requirements.
What does the assessment involve? It typically includes a combination of knowledge testing, observation of practice, and a professional discussion.
Why is EPA important? EPA ensures that all apprentices meet a consistent national standard before completing their apprenticeship.
Why This Matters for Coaching Professional EPA Delivery
The successful completion of the first Coaching Professional Level 5 EPA demonstrates the impact of structured learning, effective delivery, and robust assessment.
For training providers, it provides a clear example of what successful EPA completion looks like — and highlights the importance of preparation, support, and partnership throughout the process.
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