Consultation launched on regulating on-screen exams

Ofqual has launched a 12-week public consultation on its proposed approach to regulating on-screen exams in GCSEs, AS and A levels.  

The proposals aim to support responsible innovation while protecting fairness, standards and the integrity the qualifications system.  

It explores the opportunities, risks and practical challenges of introducing on-screen exams in high-stakes qualifications. This work has highlighted potential benefits for students, while also recognising the need for careful oversight. 

Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, said: "We must maintain the standards and fairness that define England’s qualifications system. Any introduction of on-screen exams must be carefully managed to protect all students’ interests, and these proposals set out a controlled approach with rigorous safeguards."

Under the proposals, the four exam boards delivering GCSEs, AS and A levels in England would be allowed to introduce up to two new on-screen specifications each, subject to Ofqual accreditation. The most popular subjects — those with over 100,000 entries nationally — would not be permitted as on-screen exams at this stage. 

Students would not be allowed to use their own personal devices for exams. On-screen and paper versions would be offered as completely separate qualifications with different questions to maintain standards and transparency. 

The consultation will run until 5 March 2026.