A Derby Cathedral School sixth former is helping to shape the future of exams and assessment after winning a coveted student advisory role for the country’s largest exam board.
Nadia Brodowska, 16, a year 12 student at the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust secondary on Great Northern Road, is one of only around 20 young people in the country to be selected to sit on the Student Advisory Group for the AQA exam board.
The only representative from Derby to have been selected this year, Nadia said it was an honour to be involved.
“I was shocked when I received the phone call!” said Nadia, who is interested in following a career as a solicitor – and perhaps an MP – when she leaves full time education.
Nadia, who received the highest average GCSE grades at Derby Cathedral School in 2025, is studying for A-levels in politics, business studies, religious studies and maths.
Encouraged to apply by a teacher who also marks for AQA, Nadia completed a 500-word statement which led to her being selected for an online interview, after which she was accepted on to the group.
Being on the Student Advisory Group for AQA involves travelling to meetings during the year, with wide ranging topics up for discussion such as the future of digital exams; the role of citizenship and whether areas such as financial literacy should be introduced.
Nadia said she felt particularly pleased to provide a student voice in the planning of exams which she herself is doing, such as politics – a topic which sees students having to learn large amounts of content.
“I think it’s really good to be involved,” said Nadia. “I am able to represent the voice from the students themselves who are currently in the process of studying AQA exams at A-level. I feel I am representing my own politics class in Westminster.
“I felt included to be asked to join. I’m glad that I’m able to do something that represents the student voice.”
Rae Whitehouse, head of personal development at Derby Cathedral School sixth form, said: “I’m really proud that Nadia applied for this role, and it’s so impressive she has got it as there are so few students on the group. But it’s also not surprising because she has been a brilliant student all the time she has been here.”
Dr Sarah Clark, CEO of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted that Nadia has been selected to be part of the Student Advisory Group for the AQA exam board. It is great that she is representing her school, our academy trust and the city of Derby in such an important way. Getting an experience like this is invaluable during sixth form and I think it is really good that there is an opportunity like this for young people to help shape the future of exams and the curriculum.”
Natalie Perera, AQA Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, said: “The Student Advisory Group gives young people a real opportunity to contribute their experiences and express their views about exams and education.
“Nadia has joined our group at a particularly interesting time, as we develop our plans for digital exams and the Government reforms curriculum and assessment. It’s great to have her on board and I’m sure she’ll get a lot out of it.”
This story was written and shared on behalf of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
