Regulating on-screen assessment

Ofqual is consulting on proposals for how on-screen assessment should be regulated in GCSEs, AS and A levels in England. The approach supports responsible innovation, while ensuring that changes to assessment are carefully managed to protect standards, fairness, public confidence, and reliable delivery. We are proposing a controlled introduction of on-screen assessment, with pen-and-paper remaining central to most exams.

To protect the interests of students and ensure that any introduction of on-screen assessment in GCSEs, AS and A levels is carefully managed, Ofqual is seeking views on its proposal to introduce a controlled approach for exam boards. This approach is shaped by the following guiding principles:

• Risks to standards, public confidence and fairness arising from on-screen assessment will be appropriately mitigated.
• On-screen assessment maintains or enhances the quality of the assessment experience for students and centres.
• On-screen assessment maintains or enhances accessibility for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
• On-screen assessment platforms, awarding organisation arrangements and centre arrangements are demonstrably capable of supporting secure and reliable assessment delivery.