Student Advisory Group welcomes new members at Westminster reception

Published: Thursday 25 Jan 2024

We welcomed students, MPs and special guests from across the education sector and media at a parliamentary reception to celebrate the student voice.

Our Student Advisory Group, now in its fifth year and the first of its kind among exam boards, gives students a seat at the table at the UK’s largest awarding organisation for general qualifications, and a voice in all that we do.

Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North and sponsor of the event, opened the evening and welcomed all the guests. Ben spoke of the importance of the youth voice, not only in education but all aspects of government and policy making, and how vital it is that organisations listen to young people and that those young people feel they are being heard. He then handed over AQA CEO Colin Hughes.

Colin reflected on the creation of the Student Advisory Group, saying that while there was some initial trepidation they’ve actually been a great asset to AQA and that “the Student Advisory Group is a wonderful thing”. With so many interesting things happening in the world of education their input has been invaluable to AQA, with the group engaged in everything from digital exams, to project qualifications and whole host of other areas.

It was then the turn of the group’s new student co-chair, Cerys McGrath, to address the audience. Cerys touched on the impact lockdown had had on education for all young people and how it fuelled her passion for learning and to do more. She said student voice is now more important than ever and with an election on the horizon she, like many young people, would be “watching policy makers very closely over the coming months”.

Cerys also mentioned how being part of the Student Advisory Group has given her access to a new range of experiences and opportunities to influence decision making for the benefit of all young people, and of the group’s ambition to provide student voice on a wider scale, expand the diversity of the students they represent and support AQA on a larger platform.

Finally, AQA trustee and group co-chair Elizabeth Kitcatt spoke. Elizabeth has been co-chair of the group since its creation five years ago and highlighted her great pride and joy at seeing the group members develop and grow. Elizabeth said that as part of the group they learn about many things, including governance, something not many people get experience of at such a young age. They share with us not only their own views and experiences, but also those of younger students in their schools, to get their thoughts on a range of issues and challenges facing young people in education today; they are very much valued by everyone at AQA.

AQA’s Student Advisory Group provides insight to our trustee board, executive team and researchers, and for consultation responses. Over the next 12 months they will be involved with our work on digital exams, project qualifications, modernising how we assess literacy and numeracy, and identifying the other skills young people need to thrive and succeed in modern society.

Made up of 15 students from across the country, they are chosen following a rigorous selection process and meet three to four times a year, sharing with us their and their peers’ insights and perspectives on key topics.

Previously they’ve been engaged on our set texts in English, climate change in the curriculum and EdTech and artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. We look forward to continuing to work together to lead the way on student voice and further develop assessments which are fair, reliable and support students in their educational journey.

Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North and event sponsor, said:

“I was delighted to host AQA in Parliament to celebrate the importance of youth voice in the work they do.

“AQA are a fantastic local employer, and they are a vital component in the education ecosystem – locally, nationally and across the globe.

“Whether in education or in politics, it is important that our young people feel heard and have the opportunity to shape the issues that matter to them.”

Cerys McGrath, student co-chair of the group, said:

“The AQA Student Advisory Group is a melting pot of ideas from passionate young people, helping to shape the future of education.

“It is a unique and privileged opportunity to chair the group and work closely with AQA. We genuinely feel as though our voices are being heard, demonstrating AQA’s commitment to supporting its students.

“I am looking forward to everything we will achieve together in the future!”

Elizabeth Kitcatt, AQA trustee and group co-chair, said:

“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be involved with this group, who never cease to amaze and impress me with their forward thinking.

“I’d like to express my thanks to all the students – those leaving the group, those staying on and all the new members who have joined us this evening.

“I can’t wait to get started on working with the group on all these exciting and interesting topics, helping to shape the future of education for young people.”

Student Advisory Group members on Westminster Terrace at the Houses of Parliament, with AQA trustee Elizabeth Kitcatt (far left), new group co-chair Cerys McGrath (centre) and AQA CEO Colin Hughes (far right).

Event sponsor Ben Everitt MP addressing guests and opening the evening.

Cerys McGrath speaking with AQA CEO Colin Hughes (far left) and event sponsor, Ben Everitt MP (far right), listening intently.

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