Research, Evaluation and Policy Advice

Collecting and interpreting data to inform decision making

Education systems are under increasing pressure to demonstrate impact, respond to reform, and make decisions based on reliable evidence.

However, many organisations face challenges in accessing high-quality data, evaluating reforms effectively, and translating research into practical policy and delivery. This can be complicated further by new options for innovation, such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

Our goal is to support better decision-making at every level, enabling you to build an education system that is effective, adaptable, and trusted.

AQA Global works with governments, regulators, and education leaders to provide clear, evidence-based insight and practical advice. We combine research expertise with real-world delivery experience, helping you understand what is working, identify areas for improvement, and plan with confidence.

AQA is the largest assessment provider in the UK

The AQA group works with clients in more than 100 countries

How can AQA Global help you?

We offer a range of bespoke services, crafted specifically to support you in developing effective education policy.

These are just some examples of the services our team can provide.

Monitoring and evaluation: Understand how your programmes, policies, and reforms are working with ongoing evaluation and targeted reviews at key stages of your programmes.
We can:
Design monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of your programmes
Analyse qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of sources to produce a comprehensive picture of the programme and to identify trends
Analyse outcomes to assess effectiveness and value
Collect feedback data from users and other stakeholders to inform continuous improvement
Provide practical recommendations to improve delivery, acting as a “critical friend” to give realistic, non-partisan advice
In-school trialling and data collection: Test new approaches before wider implementation with help from our team. Our UK-based trialling work enables you to test innovations with confidence before national rollout.
We can:
Develop an approach based on budgetary constraints, timeline and data required
Manage the delivery of a range of assessments, including paper and digital tests and one-to-one assessments, both self-administered by schools and delivered by our team of trained test administrators
Provide immediate support throughout the testing window, including a dedicated helpdesk team available via telephone and email
Ensure that all assessments are delivered with learner safety and data security as the highest priorities
Research methodology: Our team gather data from a broad range of sources to inform your policy, assessment, and system design.
We can:
Conduct a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including surveys, interviews and focus groups
Undertake in-depth desk-based research of education policy and other documentation across a number of educational jurisdictions
Identify trends, challenges and best practice in similar educational settings
Produce clear, accessible reports for decision-makers
We focus on producing practical insights that can directly inform policy and implementation.
Education and assessment policy advice: Make informed policy decisions based on international evidence and comparison, with support from AQA Global.
We can:
Provide evidence-based policy advice tailored to your context
Benchmark your education system against international frameworks and standards
Compare assessment approaches and outcomes across countries
Support the design of reforms aligned to global good practice
Work across teams within governments to ensure policy proposals are fully supported
This helps ensure your policies are informed, credible, and internationally relevant.
AI research and policy: Stay in the loop on the latest in artificial intelligence and how it impacts education and assessment.
We can:
Provide research on the use of AI in teaching, learning, and assessment
Assess risks and opportunities for your system
Advise on policy and governance approaches
Support the development of responsible and effective use of AI

We help you take a clear and practical approach in this rapidly evolving area.
Readiness for digital assessment: Prepare for the transition to digital and on-screen assessment with experienced guidance from AQA Global.
We can:
Assess your current systems, infrastructure, and capability
Identify gaps and define readiness criteria
Develop implementation roadmaps for digital assessment
Support change management and stakeholder engagement

We ensure that your move to on-screen exams is planned, achievable, and aligned to your wider system goals.

Our work

AI in assessment

All our profits are reinvested into pioneering research that advances education and assessment. As AI continues to evolve, we’ve been closely examining its impact, and looking at how we can develop robust, responsible tools.

Our latest research

Universal design for digital exams

Our research team are looking at ways to make high-stakes digital assessment fair for every student. Here they share best practice guidelines for accessible design to ensure that digital exams are equitable, valid, and trusted.

Read the guidance

Better decision-making at every level

If you're looking for robust, impartial research and policy advice, we have decades of experience providing tailored, end-to-end projects that gets you the right information to make the best choices for your learners.

Reach out to our team of experts to discuss ways we can work in partner with you.