OxfordAQA, a partnership between Oxford University Press and AQA, the UK’s largest provider of GCSEs and A-levels, convened the OxfordAQA School Leaders’ Summit 2026 in Karachi, bringing together over 100 senior education leaders, policymakers, school heads, and practitioners. Held under the global slogan “Develop skills, build success, access universities worldwide,” the Summit focused on how education systems must evolve to equip learners with future-ready skills while safeguarding academic integrity in an increasingly digital world.
The Summit explored the shift toward competence-based education, ethical assessment practices, and global progression pathways, emphasising the need to balance innovation with responsibility. Discussions highlighted how skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and application of knowledge are becoming as important as academic content in preparing students for higher education, employment, and responsible citizenship.
Opening the Summit, Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan, stressed the urgency of rethinking learning outcomes: “Future-ready education goes beyond content delivery. It demands a shift towards competencies, critical thinking, and application; skills that empower learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
Reflecting on OxfordAQA’s growing engagement in Pakistan, Andrew Coombe, Managing Director, OxfordAQA, said: “It has been a pleasure to return to Pakistan once again. I am excited about the opportunities OxfordAQA brings to students here, equipping them with the skills and knowledge essential for success in a rapidly changing world.” He added that the School Leaders’ Summit represents OxfordAQA’s commitment to re-centering education around skills that prepare learners for higher education, work, and global citizenship, while ensuring fairness and integrity as technology reshapes learning and assessment.
Jennifer Duggan, Head of Qualifications, OxfordAQA, highlighted the importance of collaboration with local education leaders, noting: “Working alongside Pakistan’s educational leaders has been a privilege. Their vision and dedication align perfectly with OxfordAQA’s mission to empower learners with the future-ready skills our world needs.”
A keynote address by Dr Alexandra Tomescu, Generative AI Specialist, Oxford University Press, examined “Balancing Innovation and Integrity: How AI Is Changing the Educational Landscape.” She emphasised the ethical deployment of AI in classrooms and assessments, stating, “I am excited about the transformative role AI can play in Pakistan’s international schools. It is critical that this technology is used ethically and responsibly, supporting teachers and students while safeguarding trust and integrity in learning.” She further noted that while AI continues to advance rapidly, critical thinking, creativity, and human ingenuity will remain essential.
The role of skills-based assessment and global university access was explored through insights from Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Educationist and Social Sector Development Policy Specialist, and Matt MacGregor, Professional Development Lead at OxfordAQA. Both emphasized empowering teachers and school leaders to nurture confidence, capability, and integrity in learners. Reflecting on his experience in Pakistan, Matt MacGregor shared: “I am deeply grateful for how warmly OxfordAQA has been welcomed in Pakistan. Encountering the passion, sincerity, and openness of educators here has been inspiring. Their commitment to excellence and eagerness to embrace new ideas create a powerful environment for collaboration.”
Representing OxfordAQA’s work in Pakistan, Salma Adil noted: “OxfordAQA supports Pakistani schools in delivering internationally benchmarked qualifications while remaining locally relevant. The strong focus on skills, fairness, and progression resonates deeply with educators across the country.”
The Summit concluded with a panel discussion on “Empowering Students with Future-Focused Skills,” followed by insights into the Oxford International Programme, reaffirming OxfordAQA’s commitment to preparing learners for global opportunities. Continuing sessions in Lahore and Islamabad will further strengthen OxfordAQA’s engagement with Pakistan’s education community and advance skills-based learning for educational excellence
