Ofqual welcomes DCSF announcement on key stage 3

In response to the government's announcement on key stage 3 national curriculum tests, Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual, today said:

"Today's announcement is an important development for assessment in England. Ofqual welcomes the government's decision to listen to advice about the impact on schools and the need for change, whilst keeping a focus on providing parents with information about pupil performance. 

"The continuation of the single level test pilots offers further time for development and will mean that new arrangements will be evidence based. Any new assessments will be subject to validation by Ofqual to ensure that they command confidence and standards are secure."

Notes to editors

1. Ofqual in its interim form is a part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). On 2 April 2008 Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, announced that the government intended to legislate to make Ofqual a separate statutory authority reporting directly to Parliament.
2. Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, announced the appointment of Kathleen Tattersall as Chair of Ofqual on 2 April 2008. Prior to legislation being passed to establish Ofqual on a statutory basis, Kathleen Tattersall is a QCA Board member and Chair of its Ofqual committee.
3. The statement from the DCSF is available on the DCSF website (opens in new window).
4.  To find out more about Ofqual, contact the press office newsdesk on 0300 303 3342 or the out-of-hours duty press officer on 07798 924 552. Members of the public should contact the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3346. Or there are alternative ways to contact us.