The two reports are:

International Survey of Results Reporting: This looks at different approaches to reporting results used around the world and what steps are taken to explain the reliability of assessment results. The report is by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER).

Public Perceptions of Reliability: This report covers the discussions of focus groups held to explore public awareness of assessment reliability, whether or not people wanted to know more about the subject and if so, how they thought it should be communicated. The report is by AQA.

The reports can be found here:

International Survey of Results Reporting

Public Perceptions of Reliability

The findings of the reports will be considered alongside other research carried out as part of the Reliability Programme and will inform Ofqual's future work in this important area.

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Notes to editors:

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act, which gained Royal Assent on Thursday, November 12, 2009, included the provision for Ofqual to be established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities for the regulation of general and vocational qualifications in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.
The Reliability Programme is a two-year research study, due to end in December 2010, looking at the consistency of assessment results and factors that can affect the reliability of results.

For more information contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342 or 07798 924552 out of hours.