Alex Scharaschkin (pictured) has joined from the National Audit Office as director of CERP, and Anton Béguin has joined from Cito as director of research and innovation.

Andrew Hall, chief executive of AQA, said: “CERP’s research underpins everything that we do at AQA, from designing assessments and setting grade boundaries through to our understanding of how students approach learning.

“Its work and expertise is valued by the international academic and education community and UK policymakers. That’s why I am delighted to confirm today that two research experts of Alex and Anton’s calibre are joining the CERP team.”