---
title: Centre Withdrawal
description: Learn about the different types of centre withdrawal and the process that they all follow.
---
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29 October 2026
# Centre Withdrawal
## At VQA, we recognise that every centre’s situation is unique, and sometimes circumstances change in ways that affect your ability to continue operating as a recognised VQA centre.
To support centres through these situations in a fair and transparent way, we follow a consistent withdrawal process designed to protect both the integrity of our qualifications and the experience of learners.
All centres, regardless of the reason for withdrawal, are given a 60-day notice period. This timeframe allows centres to complete ongoing responsibilities, finish working with learners wherever possible, or choose to continue their relationship with VQA if circumstances improve.
### **Financial withdrawal**
One type of withdrawal is a financial withdrawal. This happens when a centre has unpaid invoices, usually relating to annual fees, and has not met the agreed payment terms. When payment remains outstanding beyond the expected timeframe, the centre is issued an Annual Fee Withdrawal Notice. The notice does not mean immediate withdrawal. Instead, it gives the centre 60 days to clear the outstanding balance. If the centre pays the invoice during this period, the notice is removed, and normal operations can continue.
If payment is not made by the end of the 60-day period, the centre will be formally withdrawn and removed from our systems. This ensures consistent financial compliance across all centres, while also allowing reasonable time for issues to be resolved.
### **Withdrawal due to noncompliance**
Another type of withdrawal is linked to noncompliance with EQA visit requirements. As part of the centre agreement, every centre must participate in an annual EQA visit to maintain quality assurance standards.
We've structured the visit process to give centres multiple opportunities to engage. The EQA will begin contacting the centre three months before the due date and will attempt contact three times over a four-week period. If no contact is made, the EQA Delivery Team will then make two further attempts before the scheduled visit date.
If the visit deadline passes without a response, a 60-day non‑compliance Withdrawal Notice is issued the following day. To remove this notice, the centre must contact VQA and complete the required EQA visit within the 60-day period. If the centre holds Direct Claims Status, it will automatically lapse when the visit becomes overdue and will only be reinstated once the EQA visit and sampling have been completed. This ensures that learner results continue to meet all regulatory requirements.
### **Voluntary withdrawal**
A centre may also choose to withdraw voluntarily. If a centre decides that it no longer wishes to operate with VQA, it simply needs to inform the [EQA Delivery Team](mailto:%20quality@vqa.org) of its intention. A 60-day withdrawal notice will then be issued, giving the centre time to complete any remaining learners and settle outstanding invoices. If the centre reconsiders their withdrawal decision during this time and wishes to remain with VQA, it can let us know within the notice period, if payments are up to date, and, no EQA visit is overdue.
### **Protecting learners**
Across all withdrawal types, learner protection is a key priority for VQA. We work closely with centres to ensure any registered learners are supported to complete their qualifications. This might involve helping the existing centre complete the learners or arranging for learners to transfer to another awarding organisation.
In situations where a centre enters liquidation or becomes unable to operate unexpectedly, VQA will step in directly to protect learners by helping arrange continuation with a suitable alternative provider. Our focus is always on ensuring that learners experience as little disruption as possible and can continue their studies with confidence.
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