What does NEA stand for?
NEA stands for Non-Exam Assessment. In A-Level Computer Science, it usually means a practical programming project completed over time rather than in a written exam.
What do students usually have to do?
Students normally choose or define a problem, analyse requirements, design a solution, develop code, test it and evaluate the outcome. The exact requirements depend on the exam board and school guidance.
Why does the NEA feel difficult?
The NEA can feel difficult because it is a long independent project. Students must manage time, make design decisions, write clear documentation, test properly and keep evidence organised.
How much is the NEA worth?
AQA describes its NEA as a practical computing project. OCR lists its programming project as 70 marks and 20% of the A-Level. Other details vary, so students should check the official specification they are following.
What support is allowed?
General support can include helping students understand the process, plan time, think about project scope, debug their own code and understand programming concepts. Students must follow school, exam-board and JCQ guidance.
What support is not allowed?
A tutor should not write code, produce documentation, complete assessed sections, create the project for the student or tell the student exactly what to submit. The NEA must be the student’s own work.
JCQ states that students are normally required to authenticate submitted NEA work and must ask their teacher if they do not understand the rules.
How to choose a good project idea
A good idea is realistic, personal enough to investigate properly, and complex enough to show skill. It should solve a clear problem for a real or realistic user, not just copy a common tutorial project.
How to stay organised
Keep a project folder, back up work, record decisions as they happen and test against success criteria. Leaving documentation until the end usually makes the project harder.
Where to get more NEA guidance
Start with the full A-Level Computer Science NEA guide, then check your exam board specification and ask your teacher about school rules.
Read the full NEA guide
The full guide includes project idea categories, planning templates and common mistakes.