Ofqual publishes exam errors report and update on investigation into exam board seminars
Wednesday, 21 December 2011 09:32
Ofqual has today (Wednesday 21 December) published two documents on investigations into the exam system.
The first is its final report into the errors that occurred in GCSE and A level exam papers this summer. Also published today is an update on Ofqual's investigation into allegations made by the Daily Telegraph regarding exam board seminars for teachers.
Details of each publication are outlined below.
Exam Errors
Following an inquiry into errors that occurred in a small number of GCSE and A level exam papers this summer, Ofqual is requiring each exam board to take actions to improve the control of exam papers.
The report found that overall candidates got the right grades and on the whole, the exam boards' question papers processes meet current regulatory requirements.
However the report does identify a number of risk factors around the procedures in practice. These include insufficient focus on quality early in the question paper process, leading to changes being made late on and a lack of clarity around the roles, responsibilities and accountability for those involved in the process. The inquiry found quality assurance issues in all exam boards.
The regulators are requiring each exam board to make changes to the way it works. In order to protect future exam series, the regulators require each exam board to provide formal undertakings to address the specific weaknesses found in its operations. They will also be required to continue with shorter term checking measures and provide regular progress reports.
Exam boards are also being asked to give the regulators assurances on the additional checking measures that they have implemented to secure error-free papers for the January and summer 2012 series.
This report also details the impact on candidates; how the errors were dealt with by centres; and the effectiveness of the awarding organisations’ communications and redress mechanisms.
Glenys Stacey, Ofqual chief executive, said: "Our inquiry has found that, while exam board processes are basically sound, there are specific areas which do need addressing to reduce the risk of errors.
"We have identified a number of actions the exam boards must take in order to protect the quality of future exam seasons. These actions are proportionate and specific to each exam board."
Download the inquiry into exam errors
Update on investigation into exam board seminars for teachers
The update published by Ofqual today outlines the actions taken so far following allegations in the Daily Telegraph that examiners were revealing the content of future exams at seminars held for teachers.
As a result of the work carried out so far, it has been identified that inappropriate information about a GCSE ICT paper from WJEC due to be sat in January had been shared. To protect the integrity and security of the qualification the regulators will make sure this paper is withdrawn, amended and sat at a later date. This will not impact on when candidates will be able to finish their full GCSE course.
Glenys Stacey, Ofqual Chief Executive, said: "We welcome the work that the Daily Telegraph has done to bring these concerns to light. The information provided is a valuable contribution to our wider programme of work, already underway, into possible conflicts of interests among exam boards.
"This update outlines our initial plans and findings and the actions taken to protect future exams. Where we have found evidence that a question paper has been compromised we have taken action. We are continuing our work to study the material provided by the Daily Telegraph. There is no evidence at this stage that other exams in January are similarly affected."
Ofqual is continuing to review the information provided by the Daily Telegraph, and, as stated when Glenys Stacey appeared before the Education Select Committee on Thursday 15 December, will make a further announcement about the January exams early in the New Year.
Download the response to the Secretary of State for Education
Notes:
- Download letters to awarding organisations regarding the exam errors
- Read our statement, 'Regulatory Action by Ofqual, Welsh Government and CCEA in response to the Examination Errors Report'
- Download letter from Glenys Stacey to Michael Gove MP regarding the Daily Telegraph allegations
