Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009

Chapter 1 E+W The QCDA, objective and general duties

The QCDA E+W

175 The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency E+W

(1) The body corporate originally established under section 21 of the Education Act 1997 (c. 44) as the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is to continue in existence but is to be known instead as the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency.

(2) In this Part the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency is referred to as “the QCDA”.

(3) Schedule 11 makes further provision about the QCDA.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 175 in force at 1.4.2010 by S.I. 2010/1151, art. 2, Sch. 1

Objective and general duties E+W

176 Objective E+W

The QCDA's objective is to promote quality and coherence in education and training in England.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 176 in force at 1.4.2010 by S.I. 2010/1151, art. 2, Sch. 1

177 General duties E+W

(1) So far as reasonably practicable, in performing its functions the QCDA must act in a way—

(a) which is compatible with its objective, and

(b) which it considers most appropriate for the purpose of meeting its objective.

(2) So far as relevant, in performing its functions the QCDA must have regard to—

(a) the reasonable requirements of learners, including persons with learning difficulties;

(b) the reasonable requirements of industry, commerce, finance, the professions and other employers regarding education and training (including required standards of practical competence);

(c) the reasonable requirements of institutions within the higher education sector;

(d) the requirements of section 78 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32) (general requirements in relation to curriculum);

(e) information provided to it by a person falling within subsection (3);

(f) the desirability of facilitating innovation.

(3) The persons falling within this subsection are—

(a) the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation;

(b) Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills;

(c) such other persons, or persons of such a description, as the Secretary of State may direct.

(4) In performing its functions the QCDA must also have regard to such aspects of government policy as the Secretary of State may direct.

(5) The QCDA must perform its functions efficiently and effectively.

(6) In this section—

• “learner” means a person who is, or may reasonably be expected to be, in receipt of education or training;

• “persons with learning difficulties” has the same meaning as in section 129.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 177 in force at 1.4.2010 by S.I. 2010/1151, art. 2, Sch. 1