National curriculum

We develop the national curriculum, which defines the knowledge, understanding and skills to which children and young people are entitled. We keep it under review, to evaluate its appropriateness and relevance to the changing needs of learners and society.

National qualifications framework

Our national qualifications framework enables us to accredit qualifications at appropriate levels to meet the needs of employers and learners. We fund occupational standards, support learning at work and regularly review the suitability and availability of qualifications, to ensure that the needs of learners, employers and the economy are met.

QCA is committed to equality of opportunity and works to ensure that the national curriculum, examinations and tests are accessible to people with different abilities.

QCA collaborates with other regulators: the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland (CCEA). We oversee the work of the awarding bodies, to ensure that their administration, marking and awarding procedures run smoothly.

We also work closely with our main strategic partners, including the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI), employers' organisations, the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the respective General Teaching Councils for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Sector Skills Councils (SSC).

QCA is committed to serving the needs of its customers and is aiming for continuous improvement across all areas of its work.

Ofqual - the new regulator of qualifications, exams and tests in England

Ofqual began its interim work on April 8 2008. The government will be bringing in legislation to establish Ofqual as the regulator of qualifications. Until this legislation is passed, they will operate as part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Afterwards, the regulator will be accountable to parliament rather than to government ministers.

You can find out more about Ofqual by visiting their website (opens in new window).