OxfordAQA convened its School Leaders’ Summit 2026 in Karachi, bringing together more than 100 senior education leaders, policymakers, school heads, and practitioners to discuss future-ready skills and ethical use of artificial intelligence in education.
Held under the global theme “Develop skills, build success, access universities worldwide,” the summit examined how education systems must evolve to prepare students for higher education, employment, and responsible citizenship, while protecting academic integrity in a digital age.
Discussions focused on competence-based education, ethical assessment practices, and global progression pathways.
Speakers stressed that skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and application of knowledge are now as vital as academic content.
Opening the summit, Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Pakistan, said education must move beyond content delivery.
“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.”
Andrew Coombe, Managing Director of OxfordAQA, highlighted the organisation’s growing engagement in Pakistan.
He said OxfordAQA aims to equip students with skills and knowledge needed for global success, while ensuring fairness and integrity as technology reshapes learning and assessment.
Jennifer Duggan, Head of Qualifications at OxfordAQA, underlined the importance of collaboration with local educators, noting that their vision aligns with OxfordAQA’s mission to develop future-ready learners.
A keynote address by Dr Alexandra Tomescu, Generative AI Specialist at Oxford University Press, explored “Balancing Innovation and Integrity: How AI Is Changing the Educational Landscape.”
She stressed the ethical deployment of AI in classrooms and assessments, adding that critical thinking, creativity, and human ingenuity will remain essential despite rapid technological advances.
Skills-based assessment and global university access were discussed by educationist Shahnaz Wazir Ali and Matt MacGregor, Professional Development Lead at OxfordAQA. Both emphasised empowering teachers and school leaders to build confidence, capability, and integrity in students.
Salma Adil, representing OxfordAQA’s work in Pakistan, said the organisation supports schools in delivering internationally benchmarked qualifications while remaining locally relevant, with a strong focus on skills, fairness, and progression.
The summit concluded with a panel discussion on empowering students with future-focused skills, followed by an overview of the Oxford International Programme. OxfordAQA said follow-up sessions in Lahore and Islamabad will further strengthen engagement with Pakistan’s education community and advance skills-based learning.
