Consultation outcome: Reform of the Exam Procedures Review Service

Download the full outcome

Detail of outcome

Summary of decisions

We have decided to implement all of the proposals on which we consulted. The proposed changes were designed to:

• speed up the EPRS process by removing the use of formal hearings to decide some EPRS cases
• remove the requirement for some final decisions to be taken by a panel which includes external members
• extend the remit of EPRS to include Technical Qualifications as they become available

We have also published the Exam Procedures Review Service: 2017 Report that reviews the work of Ofqual’s EPRS function for the 2017 exams series in England.

Feedback received

Analysis of Consultation Responses: Reform of the Exam Procedures Review Service

Published: 27 June 2019PDF, 200KB, 11 pages

Detail of feedback received

We received 6 responses to our consultation.

All respondents were based in England or Wales. Of these, the awarding organisations andone representative body answered via our online portal and responded to most or all of theindividual questions asked in the consultation.

One representative body set out its responses to our propositions in a letter rather than usingour online portal.

Consultation description

The Exam Procedures Review Service (EPRS) considers applications in relation to results, and decisions around reasonable adjustments and special consideration, from centres and private candidates who have completed the relevant awarding organisation’s internal appeal procedures. The service covers GCSE, A level, AS, and Project qualifications.

At present, the panel which considers EPRS applications comprises one Ofqual member and two external members. Experience has shown that the service can be provided more efficiently using only Ofqual staff.

We propose to retain the EPRS and the practice of allowing applicants to have face to face discussions with Ofqual. We propose to change the process by:

• removing the routine use of ‘formal’ hearings in EPRS cases from summer 2019

• removing the requirement for the EPRS panel to include external members from summer 2019

• extending the EPRS to cover Technical Qualifications as they become available.

The consultation will run for 4 weeks, from 8 February until 8 March 2019.

Documents

EPRS reform consultation

PDF, 596KB, 15 pages

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Published 8 February 2019
Last updated 28 June 2019 + show all updates

1. 28 June 2019 The final outcome of the consultation has been published. We will be implementing all proposed recommendations.
2. 8 February 2019 First published.