Pupils will be able to request the results of their GCSE and A-level coursework from next year, Ofqual has announced today.
The qualifications watchdog had delayed various decisions to the appeal process, due to be introduced last year, so it could consult further on the changes.
But the watchdog has announced today pupils will be able to make requests for the results of centre-marked assessments to exam boards from the summer exams next year.
Ofqual has also announced:
- Exam boards will be required to make marked GCSE scripts available to schools, before their deadline for requesting reviews of marking, from the summer of 2020
- Exam boards will be required to provide the reasons for review of marking decisions automatically from the summer 2020 exams
Ofqual previously said the change would make the process “clearer, more consistent, and fairer”.
However it has deferred implementing the removal of automatic grade protection that currently applies following moderation. The watchdog plans to “review the approaches exam boards take to moderation before deciding whether to remove this protection”.
A final decision on extending the grounds for exam appeals will be made later this Spring after a pilot study analysis.
Teachers can also now take part in a survey to inform Ofqual of their review and moderation and experiences.
Peter Hamilton, chair of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, welcomed the changes, which followed calls for “greater transparency”.
“We are particularly pleased to see students will eventually receive copies of their marked papers and exam boards will need to explain their marking in the case of challenged grades.”
Russell Hobby, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, added he wants a “fairer system for re-marking, including a fund to help schools pay for regrading. Challenging grades should not be based on the ability to pay, but rather a desire to address misjudgements in the grading process.”
Schools Week has reported how independent schools have more exam administration resources and are much more likely to appeal exam marks.
Correction: This article has been amended to reflect the changes were for coursework, and not exams.
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