Skip to content 
OxfordAQA, a partnership between Oxford University Press and AQA, organized the OxfordAQA School Leaders’ Summit 2026 in Islamabad. The event focused on promoting competence-based education and future-ready skills for students in Pakistan. Education leaders, policymakers, and practitioners gathered to discuss how assessment systems can move beyond rote learning and help students succeed in real life. The summit highlighted the importance of skills, understanding, and application of knowledge in modern education.
Focus On Competence-Based Learning
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Pakistan, delivered a keynote on shifting from rote learning to competence-based education. He explained that this approach places learners at the center of the system. By focusing on skills, understanding, and real-world application, education becomes more relevant to both national needs and global opportunities. His message clearly supported the idea that students must be prepared for life, not just exams.
Skills And Assessment Reform
Dr. Shoaiba Mansoor, Deputy Education Advisor at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, spoke on the role of assessment skills. She stressed that assessment should not only test memory but also evaluate how students think, reason, and apply knowledge. According to her, school leaders play a key role in making sure assessments prepare learners for higher education, work, and life in a rapidly changing world.
Overview Of Key Sessions And Speakers
| Session Title | Speaker Name | Main Topic Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Shifting The Focus | Arshad Saeed Husain | Competence-Based Education |
| The Role Of Skills In Assessment | Dr. Shoaiba Mansoor | Skills-Based Assessment Reform |
| Global Mission Of OxfordAQA | Andrew Coombe | Fair And Future-Focused Assessments |
| OxfordAQA And AI: Leading With Learning | Dr. Alexandra Tomescu | Responsible Use Of AI In Education |
| Empowering Students With Future Skills | Panel Discussion | Critical Thinking And Transferable Skills |
| Future-Readiness At Every Level | Matt MacGregor | International Education Pathways |
Global Vision And Local Impact
Andrew Coombe, Managing Director of OxfordAQA, shared the organization’s global mission. He explained that OxfordAQA aims to design assessments that are fair, rigorous, and future-focused. He highlighted the shared commitment to raising standards and empowering learners with meaningful skills.
Salma Adil, Director of OxfordAQA Pakistan, added that in Pakistan, OxfordAQA is supporting schools and educators to develop confidence, critical thinking, and transferable skills among students.
Technology, AI, And Future Readiness
Dr. Alexandra Tomescu, Product Specialist in Generative AI and Machine Learning at Oxford University Press, discussed the role of AI in education. She explained that when used responsibly, AI can improve learning, assessment design, and teacher support. The focus is on making sure technology strengthens educational integrity and learner outcomes.
Matt MacGregor later presented the Oxford International Programme, highlighting future-readiness at every level, from early years to secondary education.
Commitment To Pakistan’s Education Future
The summit concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Neda Mulji, focusing on empowering students with future-focused skills. The session ended with an interactive Q&A.
In his closing remarks, Andrew Coombe reaffirmed OxfordAQA’s long-term commitment to Pakistan. He emphasized that collaboration with educators, institutions, and policymakers is essential for shaping the future of education. Together, they aim to ensure that students are equipped not only to succeed in exams but also to thrive in life.
Conclusion
The OxfordAQA School Leaders’ Summit 2026 marked an important step toward competence-based education in Pakistan. By promoting skills, critical thinking, and responsible use of technology, OxfordAQA is helping prepare students for a fast-changing world. The event clearly showed a shared vision to build an education system that is fair, relevant, and future-focused.