The UK's exams system has been thrown into turmoil once again, with students facing the prospect of sitting repeated mock examinations for A-levels and GCSEs in England. The move, announced by the exams regulator Ofqual, marks a return to a familiar yet contentious approach: relying on teacher-assessed grades rather than traditional external exams.
The new contingency plan requires schools to administer mock exams throughout the academic year, with the aim of creating a robust portfolio of evidence that can be used in the event of national exam cancellations for a third consecutive year. This echoes the system employed during the pandemic, where teacher-assessed grades replaced traditional exams in both 2020 and 2021.
While Ofqual's plan is designed to provide a fair and consistent basis for assessments, critics argue that it will lead to increased pressure on students and teaching staff already struggling with post-pandemic recovery and curriculum demands. The education unions and school leaders have expressed concerns about the potential workload and stress caused by continuous mock exams, which could detract from genuine learning and revision time.
Ofqual's decision highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding future examination cycles, particularly in light of potential public health disruptions. By mandating a proactive approach to evidence collection, the regulator aims to avoid last-minute scrambles and inconsistencies that have plagued previous years of cancelled exams. The plan seeks to provide clarity for schools on the types of assessments and evidence required for teacher-awarded grades.
The publication of this detailed strategy follows considerable anticipation from the education sector for guidance on contingency measures. While the intention is to provide a safety net, the practical implementation and its impact on students' wellbeing and academic progress will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the education landscape.