Response to the education select committee inquiry into the administration of examinations for 15-19 year olds in England

Abstract

This response, which relates solely to general qualifications (particularly GCSE and GCE), focuses on the Select Committee’s query 'how to ensure accuracy in … marking scripts and awarding grades'. It particularly addresses the question of whether standards are being maintained over time and between awarding bodies (ABs), and, if not, whether a different AB structure would help.

We begin with a brief but necessary preamble, to clarify key terms. We then acknowledge some of the issues identified by the Select Committee, but argue that the cause attributed is incorrect and so the solution, of restructuring awarding bodies, would not be effective; rather, many of the benefits of the system would be lost and major risks introduced.