AQA launches fund to support teachers and learners

Education charity AQA is investing in the future of education with the launch of a new £250,000 Purpose-Driven Partnerships Fund.

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for funding to develop projects that drive meaningful, lasting change for teachers and learners, including through research.

The eligibility criteria, including how to prepare an application and apply for funding from September, is set out below.

AQA’s Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, Natalie Perera, said:

Education charity AQA is investing in the future of education with the launch of a new £250,000 Purpose-Driven Partnerships Fund.

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for funding to develop projects that drive meaningful, lasting change for teachers and learners, including through research.

The funding will support projects that:

1. push boundaries in digital assessment
2. strengthen vocational learning
3. improve access and outcomes for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities
4. champion young people facing disadvantage.

The eligibility criteria, including how to prepare an application and apply for funding from September, is set out below.

AQA’s Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, Natalie Perera, said: “The Purpose Driven Partnerships fund aims to spark collaborations that add real value for teachers and learners, extending beyond the delivery of high‑quality assessments and resources.

“By backing a wide range of initiatives including those that advance research, innovation and influence, the fund will support strategic efforts to shape the education system of the future.

“As a charity that is leading the way in providing qualifications and assessments for young people, we want to make sure we continue to be closely connected with the wider education landscape. We’re excited to see the impact that early projects are having and look forward to receiving applications from this autumn.”

Charities, education providers, start-ups, social enterprises and research bodies are among the organisations that can apply for this funding. It isn't available to individuals or for-profit organisations.

Starting this September, organisations can submit applications to receive funding under one of the partnership strands.

In the run up to the launch, AQA has tested the concept by funding a small number of projects that are already having an impact including:

• Summer residentials for teachers to enable high quality teaching and learning, delivered through the PTI, (formerly the Prince’s Teaching Institute)
• Creating a Public Practice Network to gain thought leadership insight into a relevant topic, such as AI or digital assessment, delivered through Rethinking Assessment
• Funding three schools to take part in the 2-year Rethinking Schools programme and authoring a collaborative impact report on the findings
• The AQA laptop scheme where we donate refurbished laptops to schools.

Liz Robinson, CEO of Big Education, said: "We are proud to celebrate our partnership with AQA, whose support of Rethinking Assessment is helping to drive meaningful change across the education landscape.

“This collaboration is already having tangible impact, supporting schools to innovate, challenge outdated practices, and place deeper learning at the heart of assessment. Together, we are building a more equitable and forward-thinking system that better recognises the full range of young people’s strengths and potential."

For further information about criteria and how to apply to the fund from September.

For further information about criteria, signing up for updates and how to apply to the fund from September.