Ofqual releases latest perceptions of qualifications

The results of Ofqual's qualification perception surveys in England show that 74% think that GCSEs are trusted qualifications, compared with 71% in the last survey.

Consistent with the previous three waves, 41% stakeholders agreed that GCSE standards are maintained year-on-year, and 49% for AS and A level.

The proportion agreeing that AS and A levels are trusted qualifications was 82%, which is consistent with the previous four waves.

The proportion of stakeholders who agreed that the marking of GCSEs, AS and A levels is accurate was consistent with wave 17, with four in ten stakeholders in agreement in wave 18.

Regarding GCSE 9 to 1 grading, there has been a sustained increase in knowledge of the grading scale, with 9 in 10 stakeholders correctly identifying that 9 is the highest grade that students can get, compared to under 7 in 10 stakeholders in wave 14

Overall, 8 in 10 teachers and headteachers agreed that they have adequate information about the arrangements that are available for a GCSE or AS/A level student who is eligible for special consideration. This was in line with the previous wave, and an increase in levels of agreement from waves 15 and 16

Consistent with waves 15, 16 and 17, the majority (86%) of teachers and head teachers agreed that they have adequate information about what constitutes malpractice for GCSEs, AS and A levels.

Regarding the Vocational and Technical skills survey, the vast majority (88%) of training providers, 70% of learners and nearly half of employers said they value Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs).

Approximately two-fifths of employers reported having a very or quite good understanding of VTQs, with large employers being the most likely to see the value of VTQs

Among learners who had started or completed a VTQ, the most frequently perceived benefit was an increase in confidence using their vocational / technical skills.