Ofqual announces changes to exam re-marks

Exam regulator Ofqual has confirmed changes to the marking review and appeals system.

Ofqual has stressed that these changes will make the systems that schools and colleges use to challenge GCSE, AS and A level results in England ‘clearer, more consistent, and fairer’.

Under the new rules, marks will only be changed if there is found to be a clear marking error, not where a reviewer has a difference of interpretation.

The exam regulator claims that there have been inconsistencies in how marks have been reviewed in the past which have been unfair on students who have not asked for a review of their marks.

These changes will likely mean that less students students will receive improved marks through the appeals system.

Sally Collier, Ofqual’s chief regulator, said: “Exam boards must absolutely correct marking errors, and do it quickly. This is a priority that we take very seriously. However, there is a common perception that there is always a single ‘right mark’ or a ‘wrong mark’ for some more extended answers and this is a misunderstanding.

“The current review system exacerbates this as marks that have been given by one professional are often substituted by another professional with, usually, a higher mark. Professional judgement needs to be exercised, and not overwritten. Our decisions will define a new era in fairness for all students, teachers and schools.”