On-screen exams are likely to be introduced for some subjects, but not until at least 2030 and not for the most popular subjects. Ofqual, the exams regulator, has launched a consultation on proposals that would allow the 4 exam boards that deliver GCSEs, AS and A levels in England to introduce up to 2 new on-screen specifications each, subject to Ofqual accreditation. However, the most popular subjects — those with over 100,000 entries nationally — would not be permitted on-screen exams at this stage. Based on current entry numbers, this would mean that the majority of GCSE subjects would not be eligible to offer on-screen subject, while only one A Level – Maths – would be ineligible.
On-screen and paper versions would be offered as completely separate qualifications, with different questions ‘to maintain standards and transparency’. The exams regulator also said it would publish guidance on platforms and devices that would be suitable for use in on-screen exams, but that pupils would not be able to use their own devices.
Prior to the consultation Ofqual and the Department for Education carried out research (available here: https://tinyurl.com/ccjszkfb) into on-screen assessment which found ‘potential benefits such as improved accessibility, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), greater operational efficiency, and alignment with a digital society’. But it also noted ‘significant challenges’, including ‘unequal access to digital technology, inconsistent IT infrastructure, technical risks and concerns about fairness, standards and delivery’.
Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, commented: ‘We must maintain the standards and fairness that define England’s qualifications system. Any introduction of on-screen exams must be carefully managed to protect all students’ interests, and these proposals set out a controlled approach with rigorous safeguards.’
Colin Hughes, chief executive of exam board AQA said: ‘Not introducing digital exams would be a disservice to young people. In many cases, their future jobs will involve digital devices. We recognise there are concerns about issues such as fairness, sockets and space. That’s why we believe that digital exams should be introduced in a measured, paced way, beginning with subjects for which digital delivery offers a clear benefit, and where the shift is least disruptive’.
The consultation, which runs until 5 March 2026, can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/4fxsjth9