7 May 2026
The Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing is all about inspiration, innovation and collaboration for secondary Computer Science teachers—and this year’s Headline Sponsor, AQA, is right at the heart of that mission.
Recently, we caught up with Frances Sparrow (Subject Lead of Computer Science) from AQA for an episode of At the Chalk Face with Craig and Dave to explore their role in shaping computing education and what they’re bringing to this year’s exciting event.
Watch our full chat with Frances on At the Chalk Face HERE.
So, Who are AQA?
AQA is an independent education charity and the largest provider of academic qualifications in UK schools and colleges. They set and mark over half of all GCSEs and A-levels taken each year, including GCSEs, A-levels, EPQ and Technical Awards.
Working with around 27,000 teachers, lecturers and subject experts, AQA designs qualifications and resources that directly support classroom practice. As a charity, they reinvest income back into education, funding research and programmes like “Unlocking Potential”, which supports young people facing challenges in life.
Why AQA chose the Festival of Computing
Having previously attended the Festival, AQA were blown away by the scale, energy and quality of conversations with teachers. With Craig’n’Dave resources already widely used in classrooms, it was a natural fit to support an event where Computing teachers come together to share ideas, challenges and solutions.
“Having been a Head of Computer Science, I am very aware of the popularity of the CraignDave resources and what a godsend they have been to many teachers. It is clear that if CraignDave are organising an event that a lot of teachers are going to want to come along. We attended last year and were blown away by how many teachers we got to talk to and how well organised, inspiring and interesting it was. Computing teachers really value having a dedicated event at this scale where they can meet all the relevant people in their field and it was important to AQA to support and encourage that initiative.’ – Frances Sparrow
At this year’s Festival of Computing, what are AQA most excited about?
With Computing qualifications currently undergoing change, the Craig’n’Dave Festival of Computing offers a vital opportunity for dialogue with the community.
“This is a time of change for Computing qualifications so being at an event attended by so many Computer Science teachers is very exciting. Getting feedback from teachers about what they would like to see in our qualifications is very valuable for us. We want to take the opportunity to reassure them that we (AQA) are there for them every step of the way through the reform process, providing support and using their feedback to produce the qualifications that they want to teach and that will get the best results for their students.” – Frances Sparrow
AQA are especially keen to gather teacher feedback and reassure educators that they are supported throughout the reform process—using insights from the classroom to shape future specifications. The Festival of Computing gives them the chance to do that first-hand.
What to expect at the AQA stand
As Headline Sponsor, AQA will have a strong presence throughout the Festival, especially in the main Marketplace area.
You can look forward to a fascinating keynote from Natalie Perera, Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, exploring curriculum reform in Computing, and AQA will also be running two CPD sessions, including insights from their NEA lead moderator alongside practical support for GCSE Computer Science teaching.
On their stand, Festival delegates will also have the chance to learn more about upcoming developments from the AQA team, and can expect a fun, interactive experience featuring the popular “rubber duck fishing” activity and AQA merchandise giveaways. It’s going to be great!
Why collaboration matters
At the heart of AQA’s involvement in this years Festival of Computing is collaboration. Teachers are central to shaping qualifications that are current, relevant and future-focused.
“Teachers are at the forefront of our minds at AQA and making sure that we collaborate with them at this time of reform is really important. It is the teachers who will inspire us to produce the best qualifications to meet their needs and the needs of their students. We are working hard to make computing education current and relevant and to make sure it stays that way in the years to come. This requires innovative thinking on our part as well as a constant loop of feedback and improvement with teachers at the heart of the process.” – Frances Sparrow
AQA’s ongoing dialogue with educators ensures continuous improvement and innovation in computing education.
Don’t miss it
Wednesday, 1st July 2026 – Festival of Computing, at Bromsgrove School.
It is going to be a packed day full of innovation, inspiration and collaboration for secondary computing teachers. And we are so excited to have AQA as this year’s headline sponsor.
A huge thank you to Frances Sparrow from AQA for chatting to us!
You can watch the full interview with Frances on At the Chalk Face with Craig and Dave HERE.
Want to know more about this year’s Festival of Computing or the CPD sessions available – Click HERE.
If you’re attending the Festival of Computing this year, make sure you visit AQA in the marketplace, attend their CPD sessions, and hear their keynote.
Still need tickets? Get yours HERE.
The Festival of Computing 2026, co-founded and hosted by Bromsgrove School with AQA as headline sponsor, is the UK’s ultimate secondary computing education event.
See you there!
