Autumn 2026 GCSE Engineering subject update
Welcome to our autumn 2026 newsletter
Welcome back. We hope you've had a restful and enjoyable summer and are feeling refreshed for another exciting year of inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers, innovative problem-solvers and food innovators.
This promises to be a particularly important term as we hope to receive feedback from the Department for Education's (DfE) consultation on the draft programmes of study, ahead of the publication of the final National Curriculum programmes of study in spring 2027. With assessment reform on the horizon, we're committed to keeping the lines of communication open and ensuring support continues to be available as we navigate these changes together. We hope the changes ahead will create even more opportunities for our students to develop the knowledge, skills and creativity they'll need for the future.
It's also an exciting time here at AQA. We've expanded our Design and Technology, Engineering and Food subject support team, enabling us to provide even more dedicated support for teachers. You'll find introductions to the team below, and we look forward to getting to know many more of you over the coming months.
We hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter, packed with updates, resources, events, competitions, CPD opportunities and practical support for Design and Technology, Engineering and Food. We're here to support you throughout the year. If you have any questions, feedback or suggestions, please get in touch using any of the contact details below.
If any members of your team would like to receive subject-specific updates, they can easily sign up for AQA subject updates , so they’re always informed and part of our community.
A quick hello from us...
Hi, I'm Lucy, and I'm delighted to be joining AQA as the Subject Lead for Design and Technology, Engineering and Food Preparation and Nutrition this September.
Design and Technology has been at the heart of my career for more than 20 years. I've worked across primary, secondary and post-16 education as a teacher, leader and school improvement partner, supporting curriculum development, subject leadership and professional learning.
I'm passionate about helping teachers and leaders feel confident and well supported. As our subjects continue to evolve through curriculum and qualification reform, I look forward to working with schools, sharing practical guidance, resources and opportunities to support teaching and learning.
I look forward to getting to know the Design and Technology, Engineering and Food Preparation and Nutrition communities and working with you over the coming year.
Hello, I’m Deepti and I’m delighted to introduce myself as one of the Subject Support Managers for Design and Technology, Engineering, and Food Preparation and Nutrition.
I have spent much of my career in the classroom before moving into curriculum management, teacher mentoring, and qualification delivery across specialist educational settings. Having taught D&T for many years, I understand the opportunities and challenges teachers face and the importance of practical, reliable support.
Building strong relationships with educators is at the heart of my role. I’m here not only to help with questions and queries, but also to provide ongoing support and guidance, as well as subject expertise, throughout the year.
Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss ideas, challenges or support needs. I look forward to working with you and supporting you in delivering meaningful and engaging D&T education for your students.
Hi, I'm Kimberley. I joined AQA as a Subject Support Manager for Design and Technology, Engineering and Food Preparation and Nutrition in June and have enjoyed getting to know our subject communities over the summer.
I've spent more than 15 years working in education in the UK and internationally, starting as a Design and Technology teacher before moving into middle and senior leadership. Throughout my career, I've supported curriculum development, teaching and learning, assessment and professional development.
The next few years will be an important time for our subjects, and I'm looking forward to supporting teachers as we prepare for qualification reform. Through updates, resources, events and conversations, we'll be here to help you navigate the changes and stay informed.
One of the best parts of this role is connecting with teachers, so I'd love to hear from you. Whether you have a question, need guidance or want to share ideas and best practice, please get in touch.
Stay up to date with assessment reform
This autumn, the Department for Education (DfE) is expected to launch its subject content consultation, confirming which subjects will be included in phase 1, sharing draft proposals and inviting feedback from teachers, schools and exam boards.
There’s nothing you need to do right now. When the consultation launches, we’ll help you understand what it means for you, what’s changing in phase 1 subjects and how you can have your say.
Curriculum Connect sessions
Join us for our upcoming Curriculum Connect sessions and get ready for the year ahead with practical guidance, subject expertise and key updates. and get ready for the year ahead with practical guidance, subject expertise and key updates.
A detailed review of examiner reports and key learnings from the most recent (2026) examination series.
An interactive session that provides teachers with a clear understanding of the NEA brief, delivery approaches, AI guidance, teaching ideas and supported with exemplar material.
Calling all MAT leads for Engineering
We’re building a national network of MAT Leads in Engineering and we’d love to hear from you.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be involved in shaping subject support from AQA across MATs. If you're a MAT Lead for D&T or know someone who is, please get in touch. Email us at engineering@aqa.org.uk to be part of the conversation.
Early career teachers: We'd love to hear from you
We’re excited to be expanding our support for early career teachers (ECTs) in Engineering and we’d love you to be part of it.
We’ll be launching a monthly ECT drop-in session, creating a welcoming space to connect with fellow teachers, ask questions, share experiences and access support from the AQA D&T team. And this is just the beginning.
We’re keen to shape this provision around what matters most to you and your setting. Whether it’s subject knowledge, assessment, curriculum planning, NEA support, resource sharing or networking opportunities, we’d love to hear your ideas.
Your feedback will play a key role in helping us develop meaningful and practical support for ECTs. To join our ECT mailing list or share your ideas, please email us at engineering@aqa.org.uk and become part of our growing ECT network.
Community links
James Dyson Foundation
The James Dyson Foundation provides a range of free engineering and Design and Technology resources designed to inspire students studying maths, science, technology and engineering. These materials help teachers bring real-world engineering challenges into the classroom while developing creativity, problem-solving and design thinking skills, including:
- Engineering Box – a free classroom resource that explores Dyson technologies and encourages students to investigate how products work, supporting practical engineering and design learning
- Engineering Solutions: Air Pollution – a teacher resource focusing on how engineers tackle global challenges, using air pollution as a context for exploring innovation, sustainability and problem-solving
- D&T Schemes of work – a series of free lesson plans and curriculum materials developed through the Foundation's Rethinking Design and Technology project. These resources support project-based learning and can be adapted for a range of secondary D&T contexts
- Engineering Solutions: Hair Science – a digital learning resource that explores the science and engineering behind hair care technologies, providing engaging STEM applications that connect scientific principles with product design.
Primary Engineer – Leaders Award Competition
The Primary Engineer Leaders Award is a free, UK-wide engineering competition for learners aged 3–19. Students identify a real-world problem and design an innovative engineering solution by producing an annotated drawing and explaining their idea in a written response.
Every entry is reviewed by engineering professionals, with all students receiving a graded certificate. Shortlisted entries progress to regional awards, and selected designs may even be developed into working prototypes.
The competition is an excellent enrichment opportunity for GCSE Engineering students, helping them develop creativity, problem-solving, technical communication and engineering design skills while engaging with practising engineers and exploring future careers.
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition gives students the opportunity to investigate a real-world problem and develop an innovative science, engineering or technology project.
Students can:
- develop creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- gain experience of independent research and project work
- receive feedback from STEM professionals
- showcase their work at the Big Bang Fair if selected as finalists
- compete for a range of national awards and prizes.
The competition is free to enter and is open to 11–18-year-olds in UK state-funded secondary schools, home education or recognised community groups. Students can enter individually or as part of a team.
Smallpeice Trust STEM Days
Smallpeice Trust STEM Days are hands-on, curriculum-linked engineering workshops delivered in schools by Smallpeice STEM educators. Designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, they help students to:
- take part in practical engineering challenges, such as designing aircraft, wind turbines, bridges, autonomous vehicles and smart buildings
- apply science, maths, design and technology and engineering knowledge to real-world problems
- develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills
- explore engineering careers through engaging, industry-inspired activities
- in many cases, achieve a CREST Discovery Award through STEM Day+ workshops.
Thanks to funded programmes, STEM Days are often free for UK state schools. Workshops are aligned to the National Curriculum and Gatsby Benchmarks, with Smallpeice educators delivering the sessions and providing all key equipment and project materials.
New resources
Ready for the 2026-27 academic year, AQA has just finished compiling an updated recommended resource list to support the delivery of GCSE Engineering, including:
- online learning resources
- YouTube channels
- publications
- software
- STEM competitions
- professional organisations
- in-school support
- funding opportunities
- useful suppliers.
Along with the many NEA portfolios available on Teacher online standardisation, we've also collated nine GCSE Engineering NEA answers and commentary folders which have been marked by the lead moderator.
Get more with MyAQA
myAQA gives you access to everything you need to plan, teach and assess, including our secure extranet – Centre Services. Here you’ll find essential resources, such as the latest past papers, as well as Teacher Online Standardisation (T-OLS) and much more.
Don’t have a myAQA account yet? Complete a short form to get started. Once your Exams Officer has verified your registration, then you’re ready to go.
Free CPD courses and events
For autumn 2026, we’ve developed a range of free professional development training courses to help you improve your knowledge and classroom confidence.
Join us for a live mark scheme guidance and application session, with an AQA examiner, on how to apply the mark scheme to key questions and question types taken from the 2025 series.
- GCSE Engineering: Mark scheme guidance and application (Paper 1) – Wednesday 30 September, 4pm–5.15pm
- New colleagues in the department or in need of a refresher? Check out our Getting started e-learning modules.
Upcoming CPD courses
To help you prepare for the teaching year ahead, take a look at these upcoming CPD courses:
This live AQA training course will provide guidance on how to apply the assessment criteria for this component. You will have the opportunity to take part in marking activities and discussion.
- GCSE Engineering: Exploring Terminology and Technical Vocabulary – Tuesday 24 November and Tuesday 8 December
A session focused on developing students' engineering vocabulary by moving beyond vague terms to accurate technical language. It explores common misconceptions and ways to improve learners’ ability to justify, compare and analyse in extended written responses.
Keep an eye on our professional development page for further details and booking information.
Marking non-exam assessment (NEA)
Can’t make our NEA Marking live session? Why not use our free Teacher online standardisation tool during a departmental meeting to check your marking is in line with our lead moderators.
Student Advisory Group recruitment for 2026/27
Help your learners influence the future of exams
We’re looking for learners to join our Student Advisory Group for 2026/27. The group gives young people a direct opportunity to share their experiences and views on qualifications, assessments and the wider exam system. Their insights will help shape the future of the curriculum, qualifications and assessments for young people, as well as our work to offer new vocational qualifications.
If you know any learners who may be interested, please encourage them to apply – we’re looking for students who have taken AQA qualifications, though this is not essential, and they can be sitting general or vocational qualifications.
Applications open: Monday 7 September 2026
Applications close: 5.00pm on Monday 21 September 2026
Thank you for helping us raise awareness of this opportunity among your learners. For more information about the Student Advisory Group and details on how to apply, please visit our website.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) within assessments
Read the latest JCQ guidance on the use of AI in assessments in the AI in assessments: protecting the integrity of qualifications document. The guidance explains how AI can be used appropriately in assessments and outlines the requirements for reporting suspected misuse.
Subject Support when you need it – Free at 3?
Your Subject Support team run free 1-1 Teams calls to support with all things AQA D&T, Engineering and Food Preparation and Nutrition. If you’ve got questions about our exams, specifications, CPD opportunities and resources or just want to run a quick question past us, book your secure 20-minute, Free at 3? slot
Post-results services
Log into myAQA for post-results services including:
- Data Insights on Centre Services – see how your school, subject, class and individual students have performed and dig deeper into your students’ results
- Find summer 2026 question papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports, all in one place on Centre Services
- Find each of the grade boundaries on our website and the overall results statistics with cumulative pass rates for the whole AQA cohort
- See our post-results services summary guide.
NEA advisers
For subjects with non-exam assessment, it’s likely you’ll have an NEA adviser. Advisers are experienced teachers and moderators who can provide guidance throughout the academic year on delivering NEA. Find out more about AQA NEA advisers.
Adviser contact details are available on Centre Services from mid-September, so please check back then, as their contact details may have changed from last year. If you don’t have an assigned adviser, please contact us.
Stay connected
Whatever your question, our Subject Support team is here to help.
Email: engineering@aqa.org.uk
Call: 0161 957 3334, Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm.