Launch of AQA’s Purpose-Driven Partnerships Programme
Do you have an idea to improve education for teachers and learners? We’d love to hear from you! Launching today, 14 September 2026, AQA’s Purpose-Driven Partnerships Programme is a one-year funding opportunity for organisations working to improve education.
Published
Monday 14 Sep 2026
Launch of AQA’s Purpose-Driven Partnerships Programme
Do you have an idea to improve education for teachers and learners? We’d love to hear from you!
Launching today, 14 September 2026, AQA’s Purpose-Driven Partnerships Programme is a one-year funding opportunity for organisations working to improve education.
The programme will fund projects that enhance support for teachers and learners, contribute to research and innovation, benefit young people, and help AQA play a positive role in the wider sector. Partnerships are funded across three strands, inspired by our values:
Customers Front and Centre: that improve experiences, remove barriers, or provide Continuous Professional Development for teachers, schools and/or colleges.
Being AQA: that support AQA in being an inclusive, collaborative and values-driven organisation.
Research, Innovation and Influence: that generate evidence, test new ideas or produce innovative ways of improving the design and/or delivery of Curriculum and Assessment.
Who can apply?
- Charities and non-profits
- Schools, colleges and other education providers
- Social enterprises
- Research organisations
- SMEs and startups
- Partnerships or groups of organisations (with a lead organisation)
What funding is available?
We’re investing in approximately 7-10 partnerships through grants of up to £40,000 + VAT (where applicable).
The difference a partnership with us can make:
"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 This collaboration is already having tangible impact, supporting schools to innovate, challenge outdated practices, and place deeper learning at the heart of assessment.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."
Liz Robinson, CEO Big Education
Timelines:
Applications close: 23:59 23 October 2026
Notification of outcome: Early February 2027
Delivery: Autumn 2027 – Summer 2028
Got a question?
All the details are here and get in touch with funding@aqa.org.uk if you have any questions.