Consultation into future of exams launched by Pearson

Pearson has launched a major new consultation seeking views on what an effective exam system looks like for young people between 14 and 19.

The consultation will gain views on how the system of qualifications and assessment in England can best deliver for students between the ages of 14 and 19 and "enable them to successfully meet the opportunities and challenges of the changing economy and world of work".

The consultation will run from 15 February – 31 March and is the first step in an ongoing project that will take the views of education experts and external research partners, resulting in a final report in Autumn 2021.

Rod Bristow, President UK & Global Online Learning, Pearson said: "For the second year running, COVID-19 will force us all to adapt and rethink how we both educate and assess our young people. While we work with the government, schools and colleges and other exam boards to make sure the system delivers for learners in 2021, we also have a responsibility to look further ahead and use this unique moment to consider all of the issues. So far, public debate is focussing narrowly on whether GCSEs should be scrapped but we recognise that GCSEs are just one stage in the age 14 to 19 journey. Coherence across all stages of education is essential and Covid aside, we need to ensure what young people learn, how they learn it and how it is assessed, is fit for the 21st century."

The consultation will consider three fundamental areas at the heart of the issue: conditions and environment; purpose and value; and trust and equity.