In a one-off evidence session to the Education Select Committee, Ofqual has rejected claims that the pace of GQ reforms has been too fast, defending the move towards linear qualifications as providing “significantly more confidence in the awards".

Glenys Stacey, Chief Regulator, and Amanda Spielman, Chair, were questioned by the Select Committee on the work of Ofqual. In a wide-ranging discussion, other key points covered included:

• Examiners - Whilst accepting that the shift away from modular exams would increase pressure on the marking system, Ofqual believed that there wasn’t a shortage of markers, with exam boards continually recruiting and refreshing their marking workforce. Ms Stacey stressed that more teachers should get involved in marking as part of their professional development.
• Appeals – Ofqual believed that there were issues around the appeals system adding that it would soon be making proposals – expected later this month - to improve the process to make it more “swift, effective and fair”.
• Teacher Training - Ofqual is currently reviewing its decision to ban selected face-to-face teacher training by exam boards with an announcement expected by Christmas.
• Science practicals – Ofqual defended its decision earlier this year to stop counting practical work in the final grades for science GCSEs and A Levels, saying that the assessments had become “stultifying”.
• National Reference Test – Ofqual accepted that there were risks to the National Reference Test in terms of the potential for students to copy questions for future candidates, and stressed that it was evaluating these risks alongside the associated costs and benefits to ensure the suitability of the tests.
• Vocational Qualifications - Ofqual had increased its focus on VQs, restructuring its organisation to increase understanding, monitor functional skills and “unpick” the QCF.
• Regulation - There was an unprecedented amount of regulation, Ms Stacey accepted, but this was important for the qualifications.
• Comparability between Exam Boards - Neil Carmichael, the Chair of the Select Committee, announced that this would be considered as part of the next Committee inquiry.