Ban on all watches in exams being considered

An independent investigation into exam malpractice has found ways to better protect the system better against cheating.

The Commission has found that the system in the UK works well and there is a very low level of malpractice. However, the Commission has found many ways in which the system can be improved, good practice encouraged, and cheating better prevented.

The Commission has has recommended banning all watches in exams, as is currently the case with mobile phones, as officers and invigilators are often unable to distinguish between smart and non-smart watches.

What's more, a single definition of malpractice should be used as awarding organisations have several definitions.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) announced an Independent Commission on Malpractice to be chaired by Sir John Dunford, which started in September 2018.

Ofqual's responding statement said "Many of the Report’s recommendations are ones that we have also identified, support and have begun to work with other stakeholders to address. In general, there is a need for greater clarity and consistency in the ways in which malpractice is identified, prevented and sanctioned, and also how associated data should be collected and communicated."