Online exams considered as back-up plan for next year

Ofqual has confirmed exams will go ahead next year and could look at online tests as a back-up plan in the event of a lockdown.

Questioned at an education select committee hearing yesterday, Ofqual chair Roger Taylor said it was essential that students able to take part in "some kind of fair, comparative test that gives them the ability on a level playing field to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and to be able to influence their own future.”

“There are mechanisms including, for example, using online tests. We feel we have enough time come up with a solution to that problem.”

With regards to delaying exams next year, Taylor said he is “very conscious of the enormous benefit from delays and recognises the value in trying to make this work”.

Julie Swan, the regulator’s executive director for general qualifications, said they are aiming to publish their conclusion with the Department for Education in the coming weeks.