Exams

Deadline for results checking service extended after tech issue

New data service hit by technical problems in the first year it has been moved back in-house to the DfE

New data service hit by technical problems in the first year it has been moved back in-house to the DfE

The deadline for schools to check their GCSE and post-16 results has been extended after technical issues in its first year back being run in-house by government.

The Department for Education said it was aware of issues affecting logging in and downloading of data files for those trying to complete the key stage 4 and 16 to 18 autumn checking exercises.

This allows schools to check that DfE holds the correct exam results information, which is then used to calculate performance data.

It is the first year the management and production of performance data has been moved in-house and delivered directly by the department under a new portal. It was previously run by technology and assessment firm RM.

In an update, the DfE said they are “working hard to resolve” the issue.

“We will be extending the deadlines for both the KS4 and 16 to 18 Autumn checking exercises to ensure schools and colleges have a 2-week window to check their data.

“We will confirm the revised closing dates and will provide further updates here in due course.”

DfE confirmed schools would not be penalised due to the problems. The data was due to be published next Thursday. Schools Week has asked DfE if this will be pushed back.

‘Disappointing’

The Confederation of School Trusts said in an update to members that some schools break up for half term at the end of this week and “many colleagues were not able to access the site at the start of the week”. 

ASCL school leaders’ union had also been aware of issues from members. 

Tiffnie Harris, data specialist at ASCL, said: “This is the first year that the DfE has taken the checking exercises in-house, having previously been with an external provider. 

“It’s disappointing that this change has coincided firstly with a delay to the start of the checking exercise, and then with technical issues. 

“While we are pleased that the DfE has agreed to extend the deadlines, we sincerely hope these problems will be ironed out ahead of next year.”

DfE’s guidance says the new ‘check your performances measures data’ services was used for the 2024 key stage 4 June checking exercise. This asks schools to check the correct pupils are listed. 

The new portal “has a similar look and feel to other online services that the department uses to interact with schools and colleges. 

“The portal has been designed to improve accessibility and provide clear navigation. This allows schools and colleges to view and if necessary, amend your school or college performance data by a more streamlined process than in previous years.”

Latest education roles from

IT Technician

IT Technician

Harris Academy Morden

Teacher of Geography

Teacher of Geography

Harris Academy Orpington

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Exams Assistant

Exams Assistant

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult & Community College

Lecturer Electrical Installation

Lecturer Electrical Installation

Solihull College and University Centre

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

It’s Education’s Time to Shine: Celebrate your Education Community in 2025!

The deadline is approaching to nominate a colleague, team, whole school or college for the 2025 Pearson National Teaching...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Navigating NPQ Funding Cuts: An Apprenticeship Success Story

Last year’s NPQ funding cuts meant that half of England’s teachers faced costs of up to £4,000 to complete...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Embedding Formative Assessment: not just a box-ticking exercise but something long-term and meaningful for all

Our EFA programme has been proven to help schools achieve better GCSE results, as evidenced by the EEF. Find...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Building capacity in family support to tackle low school attendance 

Persistent and severe school absence impacts children, families, and communities—especially in disadvantaged areas. School-Home Support’s Attendance Support and Development Programme...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Exams

Exam board fined £250k over string of rule breaches

Ofqual found teachers who also drew up assessments could have known which papers pupils would take, and conflicts among...

Jack Dyson
Exams

Ofqual: School-level exam cheating hits three-year high

Cases of students cheating also jumped by 5.9 per cent, Ofqual data shows

Lucas Cumiskey
Exams

EPI calls for review of phonics screening check

Researchers argue there's 'no evidence' the checks led to improved outcomes

Freddie Whittaker
Exams

AQA uses injunction to clamp down on exam paper cheats

England's largest exam board said it is taking 'proactive enforcement against those who try to undermine confidence in exams'

Samantha Booth

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One comment