AQA is the UK’s largest provider of academic qualifications for schools and colleges, with assessments that are highly valued by employers and universities around the world. They are taught mainly in schools and colleges, and include GCSEs, A Levels, Project Qualifications, Functional Skills and the Unit Award Scheme, alongside a range of qualifications specifically designed for international British curriculum schools through a joint venture with Oxford University Press.

AQA sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A Levels taken in the UK every year. As an independent education charity, its income is reinvested back into charitable activities. It also funds its own cutting-edge research and development, which sits at the heart of its assessments, and it supports initiatives such as helping young people facing challenges in life to realise their potential. AQA also provides support and services that enable learning: these include comprehensive support and training for teachers, Continuing Professional Development courses, and online resources to help teachers in the classroom.

AQA is focusing on an exciting strategy to move beyond pen-and-paper exams by developing and ultimately delivering digital exams. In line with its strategic aims, AQA has developed and is now actively piloting a scheme involving thousands of students taking online GCSEs. In addition, AQA will be trialling innovative smart assessment technology that adjusts the difficulty of questions in response to students' answers. AQA also has a dedicated AQi website to advance understanding of assessment. The AQi site brings together research, insight and ideas to inform debate about the future of assessment.

You can find out more about AQA here and AQi here.

Trustees, both as a group and as individuals, are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation, its financial health, the probity of its activities as a charity and limited company, and the development of its aims and objectives, in accordance with AQA’s governing document and within legal and regulatory guidelines. Trustees act as advocates for AQA’s work and speak up for it publicly when appropriate. 

Summary of responsibilities:

• Provide expertise and independent judgement on strategic issues
• Take responsibility and joint ownership for the overall governance and strategic direction of AQA
• Be collectively responsible for the performance of AQA and its corporate behaviour, ensuring it complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
• Ensure that AQA applies its resources effectively in pursuit of its objectives
• Ensure the financial stability of AQA
• Protect and manage the property of AQA and ensure the proper investment of our funds
• Support and monitor the performance of the CEO and, where required, contribute to their appointment
• Commit to a three-year term, with options for renewal after this

AQA has an exciting opportunity for a high-calibre practising senior state school leader. Any such leaders, including those from centres that have a notable percentage of pupils with Special Educational Needs, or working in an area ranking low in the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation or in a school with approximately the national average percentage of disadvantaged students (11-16), are actively encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will be able to contribute effectively to the development of AQA’s innovative strategy relating to teachers and students, our culture and people. AQA’s Trustees work in partnership with the executive team to guide organisational strategy, policy, educational initiatives and development, and to meet its educational and charitable objectives. This is a rare opportunity for a senior state school leader to bring their insight and perspective to the largest exam board in the UK — to help to shape its future and that of thousands of young people.

Alongside your specialist skillset and background, you will possess the ability to apply sound judgement and make credible decisions. You will have strong strategic vision and be willing to assume the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, alongside strong financial experience supporting your specialism in teaching and improving the life chances of young people.

For further information, please follow the link here.

Everyone has the potential to achieve, so AQA makes sure that its qualifications give all students (irrespective of background) the opportunity to show what they can do and progress to the next stage of their lives. All Trustees should be aligned with this purpose, as well as having a deep belief in the transformative impact of education and the importance of making it accessible for all.

AQA is an equal opportunities employer and is actively welcoming applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other characteristic that makes people unique.

As an organisation that is proud of the diverse range of communities and individuals it serves, AQA particularly welcomes applications from female candidates, those from an ethnic minority, and people with disabilities, to help ensure our Board speaks for all.

This Trustee role is unremunerated; reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board meets five times per year, and each of its sub-committees meets three to five times per year. Board meetings are currently held in a hybrid manner through a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. Trustees are expected to join at least one sub-committee, and are also invited to engage with executive team members on specific ideas and projects, and to attend AQA events. Appointments are generally for three years in the first instance, which may be extended by mutual agreement for a further term.

Location
Candidates will be UK based.

AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk; and is dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly. For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website.