How we work
We are an interim regulatory body which aims to maintain confidence in the quality and standards of examinations, tests and qualifications, and to ensure their validity.
Established as a result of a decision by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in September 2007 to set up a new independent regulator of qualifications and tests, we were created as an interim regulator within the existing legal framework.
We began work in April 2008, with responsibility for carrying out the regulatory functions of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). Legislation formally establishing Ofqual as a separate statutory organisation, reporting directly to Parliament, is expected to be in force from late 2009. Until this time, QCA's Board retains legal responsibility for the discharge of its regulatory functions and the exercise of those powers. Key documents governing the relationship between Ofqual and the QCA are available to download from this website.
We will:
- Regulate qualifications, exams and test in a year of considerable change and reform
- Establishing our role and style, setting out our stall for the future
- Prepare to become an independent statutory authority
- Maintain standards in existing, new and revised qualifications and tests
- Recognise awarding organisations that are fit to be in the national system and make sure that they are effective
- Secure an effective and efficient qualifications market
- Act in the public interest when things go wrong
- Promote and sustain confidence in the regulated system
In all its activities, we will follow the Government's five principles of good regulation:
- Proportionality
- Accountability
- Consistency
- Transparency
- Targeting.