23Functions of the Authority in relation to curriculum and assessment
(1)The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority shall have the functions set out in subsection (2) with respect to pupils of compulsory school age at maintained schools in England.
(2)The functions are—
(a)to keep under review all aspects of the curriculum for such schools and all aspects of school examinations and assessment;
(b)to advise the Secretary of State on such matters concerned with the curriculum for such schools or with school examinations and assessment as he may refer to them or as they may see fit;
(c)to advise the Secretary of State on, and if so requested by him assist him to carry out, programmes of research and development for purposes connected with the curriculum for such schools or with school examinations and assessment;
(d)to publish and disseminate, and assist in the publication and dissemination of, information relating to the curriculum for such schools or to school examinations and assessment;
(e)to make arrangements with appropriate bodies for auditing the quality of assessments made in pursuance of assessment arrangements; and
(f)so far as relevant to such schools, the functions conferred by section 24(2)(h) and (i).
(3)The Authority shall have, in relation to England, the function of developing learning goals and related materials for children who are receiving nursery education in respect of which grants are (or are to be) made under arrangements under section 1 of the [1996 c. 50.] Nursery Education and Grant-Maintained Schools Act 1996.
(4)The Authority shall have, in relation to England, the following functions in connection with baseline assessment schemes (within the meaning of Chapter I of Part IV), namely—
(a)if designated by the Secretary of State for the purpose, any function of a designated body under that Chapter; and
(b)any other function which may be conferred on the Authority by the Secretary of State.
(5)In this section—
“assessment” includes examination and test; and
“maintained school” means—
(a)any county or voluntary school;
(b)any grant-maintained school; and
(c)any maintained or grant-maintained special school.