Empowering futures through business, entrepreneurship and leadership education
CONNECTING, LEARNING TO LIFELONG SUCCESS.
AT ABE AND THE INSTITUTE OF LEADERSHIP, WE SHARE A SIMPLE BELIEF:
EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING TRANSFORM LIVES.
Together, we provide learners, educators, and employers with the tools to build strong foundations and grow lasting careers. From classroom to boardroom, we’re here for every stage of the journey.
WORKING TOGETHER. TWO ORGANISATIONS. ONE POWERFUL JOURNEY.
• In 2023, ABE became part of The Institute of Leadership. This partnership combines the strengths of a world-class qualifications provider and a global professional body.
• ABE provides learners with high-quality, affordable business and leadership qualifications, offering clear progression routes into higher education and careers.
• The Institute of Leadership sustains that journey with professional recognition, lifelong learning, and a vibrant community of peers and mentors.
Together, we create a seamless pathway:
1. Begin with qualifications that build knowledge and credibility.
2. Progress into membership that opens networks and recognition.
3. Continue developing through MyLeadership+ and ongoing CPD.
This combination means learners don’t just gain a qualification — they gain a career-long partner in leadership development.
ABOUT ABE: EMPOWERING FUTURES FOR OVER 50 YEARS
ABE is an internationally recognised awarding organisation, founded in 1973 with a mission to widen access to high-quality business and leadership education. We provide Ofqual-regulated qualifications across Business, Leadership, Human Resources, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship.
Affordable and accessible
As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest in developing programmes that are flexible, affordable, and globally relevant. Our qualifications are designed for school leavers, working professionals, entrepreneurs, and those seeking progression to higher education — ensuring opportunity is within reach for learners at every stage.
Recognised worldwide
ABE qualifications are respected by employers, universities, and training providers in more than 30 countries. They provide a clear, structured pathway from foundation diplomas through to Level 6 (degree-equivalent), and fast-track routes into university top-up degrees, including an exclusive partnership with the University of Hertfordshire.
Practical and future-ready
Designed by experts, our programmes focus on the skills most in demand by businesses today: innovation, leadership, problem-solving, and enterprise. We also support educators with teaching resources, lesson plans, and marketing support, making delivery simple and impactful.
Beyond the classroom
Every ABE learner also benefits from complimentary one year student membership of The Institute of Leadership — connecting academic achievement with professional recognition, mentoring, and lifelong learning.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF LEADERSHIP: UNLOCKING LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL WORLDWIDE
The Institute of Leadership is a UK charity with a mission to inspire great leadership — everywhere. We bring together a diverse global community of leaders and managers, providing recognition, resources, and lifelong support to help them thrive.
Professional recognition
Our members earn post-nominal letters (MIoL, FIoL) that signal credibility and commitment to leadership excellence. Recognition extends beyond a title — it’s about belonging to a respected professional body dedicated to raising leadership standards.
Community and connections
Membership connects individuals to a powerful network of peers and mentors across sectors and industries. Through our mentoring platform, events, and online forums, members exchange knowledge, build confidence, and create valuable career opportunities.
Continuous development
At the heart of our offer is MyLeadership+, a modern learning platform with over 40 e-learning courses, 80+ resources, and digital badges. It gives members structured pathways to develop leadership capability at every career stage — from aspiring managers to senior executives.
Research and insight
As a thought leader, we also publish cutting-edge research, insights, and policy recommendations that shape leadership practice and support employers in developing their people.
Find out more: www.abeuk.com/courses-qualifications
ABE QUALIFICATIONS: CORE BUSINESS PORTFOLIO.
We are proud to say that ABE qualifications develop the most dynamic and up-to-date skill set on the market. ABE offers Ofqual-regulated programmes in Business Management, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Marketing up to Level 6 (Bachelors degree level).
Our qualifications are suitable for school leavers, working professionals, senior managers, aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking progression to higher academic levels.
Whatever market you serve, our qualifications will help your learners achieve their ambitions.
AFFORDABILITY & VALUE:
• We’re not-for-profit organisation - we focus on keep costs affordable and quality high.
• Our flexible pay-as-you-go model allows learners to manage costs and gives centres control over delivery schedules—making ABE an ideal fit for a wide range of educational settings.
• Common units across ABE qualifications allow for cost-effective delivery whilst enabling centres to offer learners the choice of a specialism.
For full details of our qualification portfolio and all the great reasons why people choose ABE use the QR code to go to our prospectus or click here.
Find out more: www.abeuk.com/accreditation
WHY OFFER ABE BUSINESS QUALIFICATIONS
ATTRACT MORE STUDENTS with robust and highly marketable qualifications in popular business disciplines developed by the sector specialists.
OFFER INTERNATIONALLY RESPECTED CREDENTIALS –
Ofqual-regulated qualifications recognised by employers and institutions worldwide.
DELIVER IN-DEMAND BUSINESS SKILLS – Our curriculum is designed by sector experts to meet current and future market needs.
PROVIDE CLEAR PROGRESSION PATHWAYS – Fast-track to university degrees or direct entry into postgraduate study, including an exclusive top-up with the University of Hertfordshire.
ENJOY MARKET-LEADING TUITION SUPPORT – Lesson plans, study manuals, sample assessments, and more.
BENEFIT FROM MARKETING SUPPORT - ABE supports centres by driving consumer demand and publicising active centres on its website.
We’re hassle-free, credible and respected - ABE marks all assessments in the UK and hard copy certificates are dispatched automatically.
Find out more: www.abeuk.com/BBAtop-up
SIMPLE STEPS TO A DEGREE: WITH ABE.
ABE qualifications are designed to provide a cost-effective, high-quality pathway to higher education. Our diplomas align with UK academic levels, offering credit-bearing progression toward university degrees.
In addition, through our partnership with the University of Hertfordshire (UH), graduates can fast-track into the final year of a BA (Hons) Business Administration—delivered online at a highly competitive rate - exclusive to ABE. Centres also benefit from commission opportunities on UH enrolments.
There are many other progression options open to ABE qualification holders, and the more levels they do, the more money they are likely to save!
ABE Level 3 Diploma
120 credits. This is the same level as an A Level
ABE Level 4 Diploma
120 credits. This is the same level as year one of a Bachelors degree
ABE Level 5 Diploma
120 credits. This is the same level as year two of a Bachelors degree
ABE Level 6 Diploma
120 credits. This is the same level as the final year of a Bachelors degree
Begin a Bachelors degree
Go on to a BA (Hons) business degree START YEAR TWO
BA (Hons) Business degree FINAL YEAR
BA (Hons) Business degree top-up FINAL YEAR or start a MBA
ABE QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK
ABE QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK
tions
Find out more: www.abeuk.com/courses-qualifications/executive-leadership-suite
ABE QUALIFICATIONS: LEVEL 5 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP SUITE
Developed in partnership with The Institute of Leadership, these Ofqual regulated Level 5 qualifications combine academic rigour with workplace relevance—ideal for talent development and upskilling. Designed for today’s dynamic, inclusive workplaces, our Executive Leadership qualifications help professionals build confidence, clarity, and impact as leaders.
Why deliver ABE leadership qualifications:
To provide in-demand core skills that develop better leaders.
To provide qualifications that have been developed with the sector leaders.
Convenient for learners, easy for training providers:
To offer membership benefits and value.
• Career-relevant: Practical, assignment-based assessments that learners apply directly to their organisation and personal skill set.
• Flexible delivery: Common units across qualifications for cost-effective, modular training.
• On-demand assessments: Assignment briefs are available throughout the year and assessments operate on a monthly six-week rolling cycle from submission to result.
• Hassle-free assessments: Assessments are marked by ABE, and hard copy certificates are automatically dispatched, so training providers can focus on training and not admin!
The ABE Executive Leadership qualifications have been developed for:
Experienced leaders seeking formal recognition of their leadership competencies.
Senior professionals responsible for organisational change or growth.
Those on a pathway to executive or transformational leadership roles.
LEVEL 5 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP SUITE: ADDED VALUE
When you’re with ABE, you’re with an organisation committed to quality and value. Here are some of the added value linked to ABE’s Executive Leadership suite:
• Tutor support: Each unit is supported by a detailed Tutor Guide and a Guide to Study to help your learners understand how to approach the subjects.
• CPD resources and professional status: Learners receive one year’s complimentary studying membership of The Institute of Leadership (IoL) OR - if they’re already a member of IoL - free learner registration with ABE.
• Certificates of lasting value: Your learners will receive a certificate with the logos of ABE, The Institute of Leadership and the UK qualification’s regulator, Ofqual.
The ABE Executive Leadership qualifications
Comprised
ABE
self awareness ( 10 credits )
ABE Level 5 Award in Powerful Leadership self awareness ( 10 credits ) Units:
ABE QUALIFICATIONS: AND COURSES FOR SCHOOL
Our offer for schools starts with ABE Endorsed Kids MBA, a groundbreaking programme based around the topics of an MBA qualification that develops business skills in children as young as eleven.
KidsMBA encourages children to use their natural creativity to think about opportunities and challenges to develop a viable business idea.
KidsMBA has been shown to develop:
• Creative thinking
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Self-confidence
• Persuasive speaking
• Leadership
• Critical assessment
• Engagement with other subjects
To see just some of the exceptional feedback this programme has received go to https://www.abeuk.com/kidsmba-case-studies
For slightly older children ( 14 plus) we offer two short recognised Level 2 qualifications based around entrepreneurship and employability. These then feed into the Level 3 qualifications and our core business qualification suite.
More details in the ABE for Schools brochure access by the QR code or click here.
Level 2 Award in Employability Skills. Credits. 3
Level 3 Diploma.
Level 2 Award in Setting Up Your Own Business. Credits. 3
EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE
CHOOSE THE RIGHT RECOGNITION FOR YOUR PROGRAMME
Independent recognition gives your programmes credibility, builds trust with learners, and demonstrates your commitment to quality.
With two distinct options, you can select the service that best fits your learning offer:
• ABE Endorsed – for business, enterprise, and vocational learning.
• IoL Institute Approved – for leadership and management development.
Whichever route you choose, your organisation and your learners gain powerful external recognition.
ABE ENDORSED
ABE Endorsed is a trusted quality assurance framework for colleges, employers and training providers delivering bespoke courses. It confirms your programme meets rigorous quality standards and offers learners the additional credibility of a certificate co-branded with ABE.
Choose ABE Endorsed to:
• Enhance the credibility of your training programmes.
• Offer learners a globally respected certificate.
• Differentiate from unrecognised internal training.
• Add value and marketability to your courses.
• Demonstrate commitment to good quality teaching and best practice.
• Give learners confidence.
More details in the ABE Endorsed brochure access by the QR code or click here.
For further information about becoming an ABE Endorsed client, please contact your regional representative or email info@abeuk.com
Find out more: www.abeuk.com/abe-endorsed
ABE ENDORSED: BUSINESS ACCREDITATION
Give your programmes global credibility.
ABE Endorsed is a trusted quality assurance framework for colleges, training providers, and employers delivering bespoke business or enterprise learning. It confirms your programme meets rigorous standards and adds the credibility of an ABE co-branded certificate.
Benefits include:
• Independent quality assurance from a respected awarding body.
• Co-branded certificates for learners.
• Added marketability and credibility for your programmes.
• Flexible framework adaptable to business, enterprise, and vocational contexts.
Find out more: www.leadership.global/institute-approved
IOL INSTITUTE APPROVEDLEADERSHIP ACCREDITATION
Elevate your leadership programmes with our seal of approval.
Institute Approved provides independent recognition that your leadership development programmes meet the Institute’s professional standards. It enhances credibility, supports learner growth, and connects your organisation to our award-winning MyLeadership framework.
Benefits include:
• Institute Approved kitemark and co-branded learner certificates.
• Programme mapping to the 5 Dimensions of Leadership.
• Access to 450+ hours of MyLeadership resources.
• Learners gain automatic IoL membership progression.
• Tutor memberships and discounted renewals in year two.
• Dedicated relationship manager for ongoing support.
Benefits to your organisation:
BOOST CREDIBILITY
Elevate your development programme with a trusted mark of quality from the home of leadership excellence.
BUILD ENGAGEMENT
Offer leadership development that is formally recognised, celebrated, and benchmarked.
RAISE YOUR PROFILE
Unlock exlusive rates to advertise in our leadership journal EDGE and event sponsorship opportunities.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION: LIFELONG LEARNING. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS.
Membership with The Institute of Leadership
BETTER CONNECTED, BETTER INFORMED, BETTER PROSPECTS.
Our members report greater confidence, enhanced reputations, and accelerated career progression.
Find out more: leadership.global/memberships
FOR INDIVIDUALS:
BETTER CONNECTED. BETTER INFORMED. BETTER PROSPECTS.
Join a global community of 52,000 leaders and managers. Membership gives you professional recognition, access to award-winning resources, and the support of a vibrant leadership network.
Benefits include:
• Post-nominals (AIoL, MIoL, FIoL) to showcase credibility.
• Access to MyLeadership+ – 450+ hours of online leadership learning.
• Digital credentials to celebrate progress and achievements.
• Monthly insights, research, and EDGE journal subscription.
• Opportunities to connect, learn, and share experiences through mentoring and events.
Find out more: leadership.global/corporate/corporate-membership
FOR ORGANISATIONS: CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP. ONE SOLUTION TO ALIGN AND INSPIRE LEADERS AT EVERY LEVEL.
Corporate Membership is an organisation-wide solution that strengthens leadership culture and provides continuous development for your people.
Benefits include:
• Unlimited access to MyLeadership+ for all employees.
• Bespoke learning pathways aligned to your organisation’s goals.
• Access to exclusive corporate events, roundtables, and thought-leadership opportunities.
• Recognition with the Corporate Membership badge, showcasing your commitment to leadership excellence.
• Discounts on events and preferential rates in EDGE journal.
Find out more: www.leadership.global/tutor-membership
FOR TUTORS AND PROGRAMME LEADERS: SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
Tutor Membership provides recognition, resources, and CPD for educators and programme leaders delivering leadership and management learning — complementing ABE’s education offer and ensuring learners are supported by professionally recognised tutors.
Benefits include:
• Complimentary access when delivering Institute Approved programmes.
• Professional membership status and digital credentials.
• Teaching resources, research insights, and CPD tracking.
• A peer network of educators and leadership experts.
We support organisations of every size, in every industry, across the globe. Whether you’re an individual learner, a tutor, or a multinational employer, The Institute of Leadership is here to support your growth and success.
THE COMBINED JOURNEY: FROM QUALIFICATIONS TO LIFELONG SUCCESS.
1. ABE qualifications build strong foundations.
2. IoL membership adds recognition and connections.
3. MyLeadership+ ensures continuous growth.
4. Learners and employers see proven impact.
Benefits for You
Learners – Gain qualifications, join a professional network, and keep learning throughout your career.
Employers – Access scalable training, demonstrate ROI, and develop confident leaders at every level.
Schools & Colleges – Provide clear pathways into higher education and lifelong careers.
The combined journey - from qualifications to lifelong success
GET STARTED: BEGIN WITH ABE. GROW WITH IOL.
Scan the QR codes to:
• Explore ABE qualifications
• Join our global leadership community
• Experience MyLeadership+ in action
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Info@abeuk.com abeuk.com