Ahead of this week’s first set of de-coupled AS results, Ofqual has published research into the reasons why results might vary from one year to the next.

Whilst AS Level results have been relatively stable in recent years, evidence shows that individual schools and colleges can see variation in the proportion of students achieving particular grades from one year to the next.  

The research shows variability can be due to many different factors including differences in the mix of the students entered for particular subjects, different teaching approaches, changes in teaching staff or teaching time, as well as teachers and students needing time to get to grips with new qualifications.

Ofqual has also published a blog to explain how standards have been set for the 13 new AS qualifications being taken this summer.  

Complementary research was published last year by Cambridge Assessment showing that volatility in exam results is caused by a wide set of factors.