Penalties issued to school staff for exam malpractice up 48 per cent
The number of penalties issued to school and college staff for exam malpractice is up 48 per cent compared to last year, according to official figures from Ofqual.
The figures show that there were 388 penalties issued to staff in 2016, compared to 262 in 2015. This includes 185 cases of a written warning being issued to staff, as well as 113 cases of staff being suspended from involvement in exams or assessments.
Most penalties were issued as a result of school or college staff giving inappropriate assistance to candidates. This was true for 218 cases, representing 56 per cent of all penalties imposed - an increase of 33 per cent compared to summer 2015.
Despite the rise in penalties for staff malpractice, overall results were fairly similar to previous years, with 2,430 total penalties issued by exam boards - broadly the same as the 2,460 penalties issued in 2015.
Penalties for candidate malpractice remained extremely rare and represent just 0.011 per cent of the total number of unit entires, while 41 per cent fewer penalties were issued to schools and colleges.
Read moreLatest News
10/11/2025 - 10:27
New data from Tesco's Fruit & Veg for Schools programme shows that 94% of teachers reported improved behaviour from pupils taking part in the scheme, including sharper focus and more energy in the classroom.
07/11/2025 - 09:54
The Scottish Government has announced funding which will go to local councils for strategic approaches to closing the poverty-related attainment gap.
06/11/2025 - 09:42
Ofsted has shared findings from pilot inspections carried out in 115 schools this autumn, ahead of the full rollout of its renewed inspection framework.
06/11/2025 - 09:16
The TV, radio and multi media campaign deals with the root causes of absences and identifies ways to approach conversations about wellbeing that can help pupils to improve their attendance.
05/11/2025 - 09:49
The government will publish a new set of enrichment benchmarks, with schools asked to ensure every child has access to activities across five categories of enrichment.
