AQA acquires Training Qualifications UK
AQA, the UK’s leading assessment organization and educational charity, has taken a major step into vocational qualifications through the acquisition of Training Qualifications UK (TQUK).
TQUK has focused on providing a dynamic range of vocational services from levels 1-6, including apprenticeships and work-based learning. It is an award-winning Awarding and End-Point Assessment Organisation.
An End-Point Assessment is the last stage of an apprenticeship.
The organisation gained Ofqual recognition in 2013 and provides a first-class service to training providers, colleges and centres worldwide.
AQA is the UK’s biggest exam board, setting and marking more than half the GCSEs and A-levels taken in England each year. It is also a charity that advances education by helping teachers and learners realise their potential.
Colin Hughes, AQA’s Chief Executive, said: “This is an exciting step for AQA, and for TQUK, bringing together our standing and expertise in assessment with a dynamic and fast-growing vocational provider.
“The acquisition puts a keystone into AQA’s plan to deliver more high-quality assessments to a wider range of learners.
He added: “TQUK aligns perfectly with our own core values of delivering excellent customer service and placing our teachers and learners front and centre.
“We look forward to working together and combining our assessment, research, talent, and technology expertise to enhance and expand the offering to more students.”
Andy Walker, Managing Director of TQUK, said: “It was important to TQUK that we found a partner to work with who shared our absolute commitment to quality and customer service.
“In AQA we have found just that, and the whole team are excited about the unstoppable force that we will become by combining our fearless pursuit of success with AQA’s unrivalled experience and legacy in the awarding landscape.
“Our customers will experience the same world-class service and dynamic approach to EPA and awarding they have come to expect from us, at the same time as benefitting from all of the opportunity this partnership will bring.
“Our team will remain in place, invigorated and committed to progress that will benefit our centres, training providers, learners and apprentices.”