Angling & Countryside Qualification
Fishing
TRUST Education Group Selected to Launch 2026 Pilot Programme
TRUST Education Group has been selected to launch the 2026 pilot programme in partnership with Fishing for Schools. The qualification has been designed to combine practical angling with conservation, personal development and employability skills, helping learners build confidence, engagement and real-world skills both in and out of the classroom.
Pilot delivery is scheduled to begin from September 2026.
Who is it for
- Key Stage 3 learners
- Key Stage 4 learners
- Learners who benefit from practical, outdoor and vocational learning experiences
- Teachers and coaches will deliver a quality-assured programme with clear progression opportunities
- real life qualifications that are widely recognised
Why choose this qualification
- Engaging – practical learning that supports attendance and behaviourÂ
- Transferable skills – teamwork, communication, planning and reflectionÂ
- Conservation minded – aquatic ecology, fish welfare and habitat careÂ
- Safe practise – water safety, risk awareness and equipment careÂ
- Progression – clear next steps into sport, conservation, volunteering and workÂ
- 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 waterÂ
- Angling equipment, set up and careÂ
- Casting, playing and landing fish responsiblyÂ
- Aquatic ecology and conservation in the UKÂ
- Recording, reflection and personal goal settingÂ
- Teamwork, problem solving and basic event planningÂ
- Next steps in angling, conservation and the rural economyÂ
- 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:
- Â
- Numeracy – counting catch, measuring distance, and calculating line weight and reel spooling ratiosÂ
- Literacy – written reflections, recording findings, and developing notation skills for data and observationÂ
- IT skills – using digital tools to record results, track conservation data, or create presentationsÂ
- Science and geography – understanding aquatic habitats, ecosystems, and weather patternsÂ
- 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 studyÂ
- Coach ratio – typically 1 to 3, adjusted for group needs and venueÂ
- Duration – flexible guided learning hours to fit timetablesÂ
- Venues – school grounds where suitable, partner fisheries, community watersÂ
- Safeguarding – all Fishing for Schools coaches are DBS checked, trained and insuredÂ
- We will publish a centres handbook with venue standards, kit lists and risk templates.
