Ofqual to brief MPs on summer exam season
Wednesday, 21 July 2010 09:44
Ofqual is to brief MPs on the summer examinations season and the work being done to maintain standards.
Each year, approximately 300,000 candidates sit A levels and 600,000 sit GCSEs, with around 16 million examination papers marked every summer.
In order to ensure MPs have up-to-date information on the qualifications system and the work being done to ensure that results awarded to candidates are fair and consistent, Ofqual is to hold a briefing event at Westminster on the afternoon of Tuesday, 27th July.
In their constituency roles, MPs may be asked questions about the examinations system by candidates, their parents or teachers.
We want to make sure they have information about the system, changes to qualifications this year and the support available to candidates when they have received their results.
We also want them to understand the role Ofqual, as independent regulator, is playing in safeguarding standards.
Information discussed at the briefing will include:
• The role of Ofqual as regulator
• Changes to A levels, including introduction of A* grade
• GCSEs
• Diplomas
-ends-
Notes to editors
1. Journalists are invited to attend the event, please RSVP to the Ofqual press office by Friday, 23 July.
2. Information from the briefing event for MPs will be placed on the Ofqual website.
3. Ofqual held a similar briefing event on changes to A levels for teachers associations on May 18. Information from that event can also be found on the website - http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/news-and-announcements/83/294
4. For more information or to arrange an interview with Ofqual Chief Executive Isabel Nisbet please contact the press office on 0300 303 3342 or 07798 924552 out of hours.
