Students might take GCSEs and A-Level exams on screens below main shake-up
Ofqual’s proposals could see some GCSE exams in smaller-entry subjects, including some languages, and in any A-level exams except maths, move onto screens from around 2030
Students sitting GSCEs and A-Levels could take some of their exams on screens under plans for a major shake-up.
Ofqual’s proposals could see some GCSE exams in smaller-entry subjects, including some languages, and in any A-level exams except maths, move onto screens from around 2030.
The exams watchdog said “pen and paper remain central”, adding: “We’re not proposing that traditional exams disappear. Handwriting isn’t going anywhere.
“Most GCSEs, AS and A levels will continue to be assessed the way they always have been.”
But it has conducted major research into shaking up exams to make them more digital. Ofqual will now consult on plans for each exam board to introduce up to two new on-screen specifications.
If all of these were approved, it would mean a total of eight new GCSE, AS or A-level exams with at least some of it assessed digitally.
READ MORE: 11 major school changes that parents need to know in curriculum shake-up
The most widely taken subjects – those with over 100,000 entries nationally – won’t be moving to on-screen assessment for the foreseeable future under the plans.
Ofqual said students will not be able to use their own laptops for exams to prevent “unfairness arising from differences in device quality or access”. Schools would need to provide devices.
The watchdog also acknowledged the risks that arise from on-screen assessments, including challenges around cyber-security, technical failures during exams, and maintaining standards across different modes.
Ofqual chief regulator Sir Ian Bauckham said: “If any more on-screen assessment is going to happen, it needs to be done in a way which is managed and in the interests of students, commands public confidence and is deliverable, importantly, for schools and colleges.”
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We’re really pleased that Ofqual is exploring the potential for on-screen assessment in the future, as there are several possible benefits to utilising digital technology for exams.
“This would represent a significant change, with many practical issues, and a measured approach is the right way to proceed.”
Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said Ofqual’s approach was “sensible”. But she warned: “IT provision, connectivity and staff expertise are currently inconsistent across schools and colleges and there are digital inequalities between students – expanding onscreen assessment without addressing these issues could lead to disadvantage for some students.
“It seems right that the devices for students to use would be provided, but this could be a barrier to some schools engaging with these new qualifications if there is no additional investment.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Technology is at the forefront of this Government’s mission to spread opportunity and modernise our education system.
“We know interest in on-screen exams is growing, and aligning assessment with an increasingly digital world could bring valuable benefits, including for children with Send.
“But it’s also important any shift is phased, controlled and above all, fair. We will continue to work closely with Ofqual and the wider sector to make sure we protect the high standards and integrity of our exam system and retain the confidence of schools, families and employers.”
Ofqual’s consultation will run until March.
