Update from Ofqual
“Ofqual has launched a 12-week public consultation on proposals for regulating on screen assessment in GCSEs, AS and A levels. This is an important step in exploring how technology can support assessment while maintaining fairness and standards.
Our proposals aim to strike a balance between innovation and caution:
- Pen and paper exams will remain central for the foreseeable future.
- Exam boards may introduce a small number of new on-screen specifications, subject to rigorous accreditation. These would exclude the highest-entry subjects (over 100,000 entries nationally).
- Clear safeguards will address risks around equity, security, and delivery.
This controlled approach is designed to protect students’ interests and public confidence while allowing gradual, evidence-based change. We are keen to hear your views on these proposals.
Link to press release can be found here.
Link to blog can be found here.
Link to the Chief Regulator’s response to a letter from the Secretary of State can be found here.
We have also published four research reports:
- A summary of 4 research studies informing Ofqual’s proposed approach to regulating on-screen assessment in high-stakes qualifications.
- On-screen assessment research study
- On-screen assessments in sessional high-stakes qualifications in England
- On-screen assessment and mode effects
- Making sense of mode effects
The consultation runs until 4 March 2026. Find out more and respond here.“
