The QCDA have received a revised remit letter from the Department for Education, outlining their role for the rest of this financial year. It follows the Government’s announcement in May of its intention to close QCDA as part of its wider reform of education. While most of it’s work will be transferred or come to an end, they will continue to deliver some elements for the short to medium term.
The QCDA’s key priorities between now and the end of March 2011 are to prepare for the closure of QCDA, working with the DfE and other bodies to ensure the appropriate transfer of functions, and to deliver continuing work.
Until legislation is passed to abolish QCDA, they will continue to fulfil their statutory responsibilities and continue to support schools and colleges in assessment and examinations delivery until such time as this work is transferred elsewhere.
The Government has made it clear that statutory national curriculum assessment will continue after abolition and work is underway to arrange the transfer of functions.