Ofqual to ensure appropriate grade standards are set in new GCSE and A Levels

Exam regulator Ofqual has published its corporate plan for 2018 to 2021, which includes plans to regulate the “validity and safe delivery of general qualifications”.

It is comprised of five goals aimed to fulfil the board’s statutory duties over the three-year period.

Ofqual plans to make sure exam boards set appropriate grade standards in new GCSE, AS and A levels, as they are first awarded, and that they maintain grade standards in all other GCSEs, AS and A levels.

This is in addition to other measures such as: requiring exam boards to address identified risks to the safe delivery and award of GCSEs, AS and A levels; monitoring the quality of exam boards’ marking and how they undertake reviews of marking, moderation and appeals, taking action if required; and determine the long-term assessment arrangements for GCSE computer science.

Ofqual aims to also regulate for the validity and safe delivery of national technical and vocational qualifications and Apprenticeships End-Point Assessments and regulate for the validity and safe delivery of all vocational and technical qualifications.

As part of the plan, Ofqual’s final two goals are to monitor and evaluate the validity of National Assessments and develop and manage its people, resources and systems.