Exams

Exams 2022: Invigilator rules relaxed over shortage fears

But experts warns schools still face 'huge challenge' in securing enough invigilators

But experts warns schools still face 'huge challenge' in securing enough invigilators

3 May 2022, 13:52

More from this author

Schools will be allowed to use fewer exam invigilators and also staff that teach the subject being examined under new guidance designed to alleviate anticipated disruption.

Guidance published by the Joint Council for Qualifications late last week has relaxed normal protocols after schools voiced concerns they would not be able to source enough invigilators.

It comes after the National Association of Examinations Officers revealed over four in five of 1,000 exam officers surveyed reported a shortage.

Here is what schools need to know:

1. Invigilator ratio expanded to 40:1 …

Under normal circumstances, exam centres are required to ensure at least one invigilator is present for each group of 30 or fewer pupils. For practical exams, the ratio is normally 20:1

However, schools will be allowed to use one invigilator for a group of up to 40 pupils during summer exams “where it is not possible for the centre to meet standard requirements”.

Student penalties for exam breaches were up 43 per cent in 2022, with mobile phones making up the majority of offences

The threshold for practical exams has also been increased to 30:1.

JCQ states that in “exceptional cases”, where all other options have been exhausted, “the examination may continue with the invigilators that are available provided that the centre notifies the relevant awarding body on the day of the examination”.

The awarding body will then decide if the exam scripts can be accepted.

But if the exam centre is not confident the exam “can be conducted with integrity” due to a lack of invigilators, they are advised to consider delaying the exam until later that day or splitting the cohort into smaller groups.

2. … and subject teachers CAN invigilate

If no other suitable invigilators are available, subject teachers can invigilate an examination in their own subject.

This is normally prohibited, but will be allowed this summer as long as the teachers are briefed to be “particularly careful not to influence candidates’ responses”.

These teachers must not be the sole or lead invigilator for a group of pupils they have taught, the guidance adds.

Tom Middlehurst, assessment specialist at the Association of Schools and College Leaders, supported the changes but warned that “even with this in place, schools and colleges face a huge challenge in ensuring they have enough invigilators”.

“A lot of the uncertainty surrounding this summer’s exams could be eradicated if students and staff still had access to free testing and we have repeatedly asked the government to reintroduce this.”

3. Exams can start later, but must be on same day

Exam centres can normally vary an exam start time by up to 30 minutes.

This summer’s exams may start later as long as they take place on the timetabled date and pupils are supervised “from no later than 30 minutes after the published start time until the examination starts”.

In this scenario, the exam centre must notify the relevant awarding body on the day of the exam.

The guidance adds: “If groups of candidates are due to take the examination in different rooms, centres may start each group as soon as they are ready, provided that the remaining candidates remain under supervision.”

4. Prior approval required for remote invigilation

Remote invigilation may be permitted in “very exceptional cases”.

But JCQ warns that prior approval must be granted from the relevant awarding body and “will not be granted on the day of the examination”.

5. Alternative sites can split exam cohorts

Schools are are advised to follow existing alternative site guidance, which requires exam centres to submit a notification of intent six weeks before exams begin.

It is acknowledged this may not always be possible for a candidate in hospital or sitting an exam at home, but “late submission should be made as soon as the details are known”.

JCQ adds: “This process can also be used if it is necessary to split a cohort of candidates and relocate one group of candidates to an alternative site.”

6. Pupils unable to sit exams can get ‘calculated grade’

Where candidates cannot sit the exam within the centre or at an alternative site a “calculated grade”, known as an aegrotat, may be used to ensure they are not disadvantaged.

This scenario would occur when some exams in the qualification have already, or can be, completed, and centres must apply for special consideration in the normal way.

Where candidates cannot sit any exams, they should sit them in a later series, the guidance adds.

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 *