Edexcel

Background

EdExcel was the first of the three unitary awarding bodies to be established to offer both academic and vocational qualifications following the Stafford Review of exam standards in 1995. It was formed in 1996 by a merger of the Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC - the country’s leading provider of vocational qualifications), and the University of London Examinations & Assessment Council (ULEAC - one of the major exam boards for GCSEs and A levels).

The name “ Edexcel” was originally derived from ‘educational excellence’, based on the vision to be the leading provider of qualifications. The business has grown considerably since its establishment, with a turnover in excess of £90m, a staff of over 800, and this year it has set 20,000 exam questions, administered over 1,500 separate examinations and handled nearly five million exam scripts.

Entity has maintained an ongoing working relationship with EdExcel (and BTEC before that), for more than 8 years.

The Business Plan and Objectives

EdExcel required a relationship with an organisation that could provide a range of relevant IT skills, from strategists at one end of the spectrum (to assist with internal strategy planning) to complete project teams at the other (to develop specific business application). In addition, Entity also provides specialist consultants to work with Edexcel's own IT staff.

Entity’s Role

Entity provides a range of consultancy and application development services across both academic and vocational systems, including the national curriculum tests. Our involvement includes activity in the following business and service areas...

pupil entries/registrations (inc EDI submissions)
examiner recruitment
examiner allocation and marking
examiner meetings (standardisation, awarding etc)
processing and tracking of scripts
capture of pupil marks and subsequent grading
feeds to national league tables
modelling external marking
results notices and certification
examiner fees and expenses
post results services (results enquiries and access to scripts)
management of temporary staff/time recording
teacher training (professional development/INSET)
computer based testing and assessment

The Benefits to EdExcel

Skilled Resource Availability
EdExcel benefits from Entity expertise, when needed, without the need to recruit and retain specialist resources. In addition, Entity can help to meet peaks in demand, or urgent projects or change requirements.

Education Market Experience
Entity consultants are well very versed in the education sector, the business issues and pressures that exist and the solutions that are most appropriate.

Relevance to Other Organisations

Entity has a wealth of experience that can assist others to:

define and build appropriate education administrative systems
define and build process models
provide specialist business or technical services
provide project teams
provide interim management

.. and to establish a working relationship that will continue to benefit our client for years to come.

Visit Edexcel