AQA Student Advisory Group recruitment begins

The most chosen exam board for GCSEs and A-levels is looking for young people to join its Student Advisory Group to help make key decisions about the future of exams and assessment, including vocational and technical qualifications.

Successful applicants may have taken AQA qualifications, though this is not essential, and can be sitting GCSEs, AS or A-levels, or vocational qualifications.

Applications open today (Monday 7 September) and close at 5pm on Monday 21 September. Those who apply need to say why they’d be great for the role in up to 500 words.

Since the Student Advisory Group began in 2020, members have:

• attended an annual parliamentary youth voice reception, where they have had the opportunity to meet MPs
• had a voice in AQA’s response to Professor Becky Francis’ Curriculum and Assessment Review call for evidence
• attended the Festival of Education at Wellington College, where they spoke on panel discussions about such issues as artificial intelligence and digital skills
• helped to shape the future of English literature by having a say in choosing more inclusive A-level texts that better reflect Britain as it is today.

Members of the Student Advisory Group and AQA Head of External Affairs Clare Fraser at the Festival of Education in July, when they discussed digital skills.

Why should young people think about joining? As one member, William, said:

“I think the group is so important because it's the exam-makers talking to the exam-takers. It allows us to have a voice on important issues that matter to our education, and makes us feel like young people are listened to.”

The Student Advisory Group at a meeting in the AQA office in Manchester in July, discussing the ways to make exams more accessible.

Being a member of the Student Advisory Group means:

• having the chance to shape the future of GCSEs, A-levels and vocational qualifications
• the opportunity to develop communication, presentation and networking skills
• gaining an experience that enhances applications to college, sixth form or university.

The group, made up of around 20 young people from all backgrounds, meets three times a year at AQA’s offices in London and Manchester. They receive updates and are consulted on a range of issues including assessments and artificial intelligence, early careers and partnerships. In doing so, they are able to scrutinise plans, suggest improvements and give feedback on successes.

It’s essential that the Student Advisory Group is made of young people from different parts of the country and with a wide range of backgrounds and learning experiences.

Student Advisory Group meetings aim to foster an environment with a strong sense of community – a place where members are heard, and in which their contributions about key areas of assessment are valued and play into the future of exams.

To know more about the Student Advisory Group, including how to apply, go to Become a Student Advisor.

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

"Since joining AQA earlier this year, I've really enjoyed meeting members of the Student Advisory Group. They bring valuable insights and aren't afraid to ask challenging questions.

"I'd encourage anyone thinking about applying to go for it, whether they're studying towards GCSEs, A-levels or vocational qualifications. It's a great opportunity to network and help shape the future of exams and assessment."