What is AQA?
AQA, formerly the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance, is one of the five awarding body in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It compiles specifications and holds examinations in various subjects at GCSE, AS and A Level and offers vocational qualifications.
AQA is a registered charity and independent of the government. However, its qualifications and exam syllabi are regulated by the Government of the United Kingdom, which is the regulator for the public examinations system in England and Wales.
AQA also offers the AQA Baccalaureate, a qualification also intended for students in Year 12 and 13 and which includes the study of three A-Levels, an extended project and extra-curricular enrichment activities.
Exams information from all the awarding bodies is published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) .
Preparation
Prepare for exams season with our video on planning and conducting exams, including invigilation and what to do if the unexpected happens.
Regulations
JCQ has set common regulations for schools and colleges that enter students for general qualifications. These regulations:
- are re-issued each academic year
- set out the key administrative requirements
- reference the national agreements on the conduct of exams and special arrangements for individuals with particular requirements.
Supplementary regulations exist for overseas centres and for private candidates.
Conducting exams
Instructions for conducting exams in your school or college are available on the JCQ website. This includes details about invigilation arrangements.
Malpractice and irregularities
Read our malpractice page for more information on making an allegation and whistleblowing. You can also find shared information and guidance on malpractice and irregularities on the JCQ website.
Centre inspection
We administer the JCQ Centre Inspection Service, which inspects schools and colleges in England and Scotland offering GCSE, A-level, ELC, Basic Skills, Key Skills, Functional Skills and Diploma Principal Learning exams and assessments on behalf of the JCQ awarding organisations.
Apply for centre inspection using the alternative site form, available from the JCQ Centre Admin Portal (which you can access through e-AQA).
Become an inspector
Are you an ex-exams officer interested in becoming a JCQ inspector? Please read the job description and person specification below. If you meet the criteria, contact us on 01483 556271 for further information and an application form.