Edexcel is the UK's largest awarding body, providing academic and vocational qualifications to more than 25,000 places of learning here, and in over 100 countries worldwide. In the UK, Edexcel offers qualifications and testing in more than 24,000 schools, 450 further education colleges, more than 80 higher education institutions, 600 public and private sector employers and, increasingly, e-learning providers.

As part of Pearson, the international media and education company, Edexcel has made significant investment in technology to modernise the examination system. The company leads the way in e-learning and is spearheading online marking, administration and onscreen testing for key and basic skills qualifications.

It prepare courses, assess, examine, quality control and certify achievement. Its qualifications include A levels, GCSEs, GNVQs, Key and Basic Skills, and the vocational BTEC suite that provides progression from pre GCSE level through to sub-degree Higher National Diplomas and tailor-made qualifications for employers. It also offer a range of Foundation degrees.

Edexcel holds the contract from the National Assessment Agency to manage the marking, distribution and data collection for the Key Stage 2 and 3 National Curriculum Tests and the optional Year 7 Progress Tests in England. The tests involve approximately 24,000 primary and secondary schools.

The company employs around 1,000 permanent staff and approximately 1,000 temporary staff in peak periods together with 16,000 examiners and moderators. The head office is in London, with regional offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds and Manchester and four offices overseas.

For more information please see www.edexcel.org.uk.