AQA

The largest exam board in the UK, a charity that sets and marks GCSE and A-level exams and runs early careers programmes for graduates and apprentices.

About AQA

AQA is an exam board. It describes itself as the largest exam board in the UK and says it delivers assessment to more than one million students each year.

Its charitable purpose is stated simply: 'We're here to make exams accessible to all.' It also says it reinvests any surplus back into the organisation and that it aims never to let a learner down.

AQA's registered office is on Devas Street in Manchester, and an apprenticeship listing names a second site in Guildford at the University of Surrey. We did not find a staff headcount.

AQA says it wants people to 'Be your full self at work', describes its teams as highly skilled and friendly, and says it values diversity. It puts learners and staff first.

AQA launched an Early Careers Programme in February 2022 with eight apprentices and graduates. Apprentices work in the technology and people teams, and graduates join an Assessment or Business scheme and rotate through business areas over two years. Its current page says graduate vacancies are closed, the 2026 roles are filled and 2027 details will be added later this year. Pay and entry requirements were not stated; email opportunities@aqa.org.uk for details.

What they do

• {'desc': 'Sets, runs and marks qualifications taken in UK schools and colleges.', 'title': 'GCSE and A-level exams'}
• {'desc': 'Offers further qualifications and assessment.', 'title': 'Other qualifications'}
• {'desc': 'Resources and training for schools and colleges.', 'title': 'Support for teachers'}

Key facts

• Largest exam board in the UK (company claim)
• Registered office: Manchester; second site in Guildford
• Early Careers Programme began in 2022
• 2026 graduate and apprentice roles filled; 2027 details to follow

Website: www.aqa.org.uk