Conditions for approval
Overseas centres
We offer
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GCSE (including vocational subjects)
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A-level (including A-level in applied subjects)
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FSMQ (free-sanding Maths qualification)
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Basic, Key and Functional Skills
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Entry Level
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AQA Certificates
approved by the DfE and our Regulators.
Exams including GCSE and A-level are held each academic year in accordance with published
timetables.
GCSE and A-level exams are conducted in accordance with the GCSE, GCE, Principal Learning
and Project Code of Practice.
The JCQ General Regulations for Approved Centres relates to all of our exams and tests and these
conditions include additional regulations for the conduct of our exams outside the UK.
Overseas approval
We approve schools and colleges outside the UK for certain exams where we are satisfied that these
conditions and our criteria for centre approval are met.
If an overseas school/college has no exam entries for three academic years, they are automatically
deregistered. Deregistered schools/colleges can re-apply to AQA should they wish to enter
candidates for future series.
Inspection
Overseas schools/colleges must bear the costs of any pre-registration inspection and any further
inspections normally carried out in the first exam series and at least every year thereafter. The
British Council carries out some inspection visits on behalf of AQA and charges for this work. We
will appoint a UK inspector where the British Council is unable to carry out an inspection.
Administering exams
We must be satisfied that overseas schools/colleges are able to administer AQA exams properly
and meet the requirements of the current edition of the JCQ Instructions for conducting
examinations.
Overseas schools/colleges must conduct AQA exams at the scheduled time (ie at the local
equivalent to 9.00am or 1.30pm UK time). An Overseas timetable declaration form must be
submitted for each academic year.
In some circumstances it may be possible to apply to vary exam start times, within limits that
guarantee the security of question papers. Applications for approval to vary exam start times must
be made on the Overseas timetable declaration form. If approval is granted, arrangements for the
supervision of students must be made.
The cost of visits made by moderators and/or examiners must be paid for by the school/college.
Compulsory coursework meetings in the UK must be attended and at the expense of the
school/college.
On-screen tests are not available to overseas schools/colleges.
Private students
We will only accept entries from approved overseas schools/colleges for students that are currently
on roll and taught at the school/college. Entries from private students are not accepted from
schools/colleges outside the UK.
Exam administration
Exams and tests in each academic year must be conducted in accordance with the following
documents:
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AQA published timetables
JCQ General Regulations for Approved Centres (General and Vocational Qualifications)
JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations (General and Vocational Qualifications)
JCQ Instructions for conducting coursework (GCE, ELC and Project Qualifications)
JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (General and Vocational
Qualifications)
JCQ A guide to the special consideration process (General and Vocational Qualifications)
JCQ Instructions for conducting controlled assessments (GCSE Qualifications)
JCQ GCE examinations - Entry, aggregation and certification procedures
JCQ Suspected Malpractice in Examinations and Assessments – Policies and Procedures –
General and Vocational Qualifications
JCQ Post Result Services – Information and guidance to centres (GCSE, GCE, Principal
Learning & Projects (including Extended Project))
GCSE, GCE, Principal Learning and Project Code of Practice
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Administration fees
The AQA Entry fees and other charges document is published annually. Full fees must be paid
for all entries by the school/college through which entries are made.
We charge an annual administration fee for all overseas schools/colleges.
Invoices are issued to schools/colleges after the initial entries have been processed and followed
by additional invoices where entry amendments and late entries have been made. Payment is due
within 30 days of the date of the invoice.
By placing business with AQA you accept the following terms and conditions:
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All payments for services and exams must be paid in sterling (GBP)
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Refunds including credit notes are paid in sterling (GBP). Any bank charges payable for
payments made outside the UK are deducted from the refund.
Further information
Information about AQA can be found at aqa.org.uk
Authorised staff at approved schools or colleges can access information relating to their
school/college and AQA via e-AQA. This flexible resource makes it easier for schools/colleges
to communicate with AQA.
These conditions will safeguard the adequate administration of the AQA examinations at
overseas schools/colleges.
AQA reserves the right to vary these conditions for approved schools/colleges on an
annual basis.
AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in
England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.
Conditions for overseas centre approval
Agreement
To be signed by the Head of centre and returned to AQA Overseas Centre Support by email
or post by 1 October 2015
Centre number
Centre name _________________________________________________________________
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I have read and agree to abide by the revised AQA conditions for overseas centre approval
issued September 2015.
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I understand that failing to comply with these conditions may result in the termination of our
working arrangement and will introduce risk to our leaners gaining the academic achievements
they deserve
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I have submitted our completed Overseas timetable declaration form.
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The name of our Exams Officer is (please print) _____________________________________
Signature of Head of centre _____________________________________________________
Name of Head of centre (please print) ________________________________________________
Please return this form to the AQA Overseas Centre Support team either by email to
overseascentresupport@aqa.org.uk or by post to:
Special Requirements
AQA
Stag Hill House
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7XJ
Version 1.1
AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in
England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.
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