QCA

QCA is the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority of the UK.

Its web site is at http://www.qca.org.uk/

Details

(sourced from http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8710.aspx)

National curriculum

QCA develops the national curriculum, which defines the knowledge, understanding and skills to which children and young people in the UK are entitled. QCA keeps it under review, to evaluate its appropriateness and relevance to the changing needs of learners and society.

National qualifications framework

The national qualifications framework in the UK enables QCA to accredit qualifications at appropriate levels to meet the needs of employers and learners. QCA funds occupational standards, supports learning at work and regularly review the suitability and availability of qualifications, to ensure that the needs of learners, employers and the UK 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.

QCA also works closely with its 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).

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