OxfordAQA champions a future-focused education agenda at Lahore Education Forum
OxfordAQA, a strategic partnership between Oxford University Press and AQA, brought its forward-looking approach to the Lahore Education Forum with the School Leaders’ Summit 2026. The event united school leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore how curricula and assessments can better prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Set against the backdrop of Pakistan’s evolving education landscape, the summit underscored OxfordAQA’s commitment to skills-based learning, robust assessments, and international-grade resources that schools can adapt locally.
Rethinking curricula for skills and application
At the heart of the discussions was a shift from traditional memorization toward deeper application of knowledge. Participants debated how curricula can emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy—competencies that students will need in higher education and the workforce. OxfordAQA highlighted its support for teachers through clear learning objectives, high-quality assessment materials, and professional development that equips educators to implement skills-based frameworks without compromising subject depth.
Assessment as a tool for growth
Panelists stressed that assessments should inform teaching and student growth, not merely certify outcomes. The dialogue explored how assessments can reflect real-world tasks, data analysis, and the ability to communicate findings effectively. By aligning GCSEs and A-levels with practical competencies, OxfordAQA aims to provide a transparent pathway for students, parents, and schools, ensuring that achievement translates into tangible skills that employers value.
Policy alignment and the role of school leadership
Education leaders at the forum emphasized the need for coherent policy frameworks that support innovative teaching and fair assessment practices across diverse school settings. The OxfordAQA team spoke about collaborating with ministries of education, local authorities, and school networks to share best practices and scalable solutions. The emphasis on leadership development—helping principals, vice principals, and department heads drive change—reflects a broader trend toward distributed leadership in education systems.
Resources and collaboration: enabling everyday classroom impact
Participants learned how OxfordAQA resources can be deployed to enhance daily teaching and learning. From assessment exemplars to teacher guides and digital platforms, the partnership seeks to make rigorous, internationally benchmarked content accessible to teachers in Pakistan and beyond. The summit also showcased case studies from schools that have successfully integrated skills-based approaches, providing practical models for others to adapt.
A commitment to inclusive, high-quality education
Underlying the discussion was a shared commitment to equity: ensuring all learners, regardless of background, have access to high-quality instruction and fair assessment. By prioritizing clear expectations, reliable feedback, and supportive professional development, OxfordAQA aims to empower every student to demonstrate mastery in meaningful ways. This aligns with broader global goals to raise learning outcomes while maintaining local relevance and cultural context.
Looking ahead: shaping policy, practice, and partnerships
As the Lahore Education Forum concluded, stakeholders voiced a collective resolve to turn insights into action. The OxfordAQA partnership plans continued collaboration with schools, educators, and policymakers to implement scalable, sustainable improvements that prepare students for the demands of higher education and the modern job market. The summit reinforced that when curricula and assessments are designed with real-world applicability in mind, learning becomes more engaging, purposeful, and inclusive.
