Research

Research work is integral to AQA's provision of valid, reliable and fair educational assessments. It is undertaken by a team of specialist educational research staff whose activities fall into three broad categories.

• Provision of statistical data
  A comprehensive range of statistical data is provided, including annual publications of entries and results information analysed, for example, by gender and centre type. AQA also compiles, on behalf of all the Unitary Awarding Bodies, the inter-board national statistics for the GCE and GCSE.
  
  
• Research on current examinations
  Research is undertaken on current examinations. For example, statistical analyses of candidates' performances in selected syllabuses are conducted annually. We also analyse national datasets of candidate performance in order to monitor AQA's standards and to ensure their comparability with those of other awarding bodies. In line with AQA's commitment to be responsive to candidates', teachers' and schools' regular surveys are conducted, the results of which contribute to the design of syllabuses and the delivery of examinations. In addition to its own research, AQA is also a major contributor to various inter-board projects, especially the JCGQ's annual inter-board comparability studies.
  
  
• Fundamental and theoretical research
  AQA also undertakes fundamental and theoretical research work which underpins new developments and the improvement of current examinations and procedures. This includes methodological studies and contributions to inter-board research projects. AQA research officers contribute to a wide range of publications on examinations.

  You may read/download abstracts of our research publications in PDF format

The research work of the AQA is overseen by an independent Research Committee which meets three times a year to offer its advice. Its membership comprises senior academics, experienced teachers and examiners, and representatives of the AQA Council.