Carry out non-exam assessment (NEA)
Non-exam assessments. These measure subject-specific skills or knowledge that can’t be tested by timed written papers in an exam setting.
Non-exam assessment measures subject-specific skills which can’t always be tested by written exam papers. Assessment is internal, in that it takes place in the centre – and comes in the form of coursework, controlled assessment and non-exam assessment. Marks are then submitted to AQA
An AQA moderator selects a sample that, for most subjects, still needs to be sent to our moderator by post.
Check our list of dates for the deadlines for each subject’s NEA components.
The AQA website also contains further information on NEA.
Our English qualifications with NEA components are:
- AS and A-level English Language
- AS and A-level English Literature A
- AS and A-level English Literature B
- A-level English Language and Literature
- ELC Step Up to English
- Functional Skills English (Last exams summer 2025).
Useful links
Below are some links to websites you might find useful – either as general sources of information and support, or for support and guidance.
DfE – Department for Education.
JCQ – Joint Council for Qualifications.
Ofqual – The Office for Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.
Cambridge University Press – AQA’s approved publisher for English.
The British Library – Based in London, the British Library is the UK’s national library and home to millions of resources and materials, including books, newspapers and manuscripts.
Poetry Archive – the Poetry Archive is a free, online library where you can access thousands of poems and listen to recordings of English language poets reading their own work.
BBC Bitesize – a useful website for teachers and students where you can find homework and revision materials for AQA GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language.
English and Media Centre – The English and Media Centre is an independent educational charity that provides publications and classroom resources to support English and media teachers and students.