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