Speculation surrounding A Level reforms and Ofsted’s Assessment Framework

Suggestions that Ofqual will lower GCSE and A level pass marks to assure that the first batch of students to study the new reformed courses will not be disadvantaged have been refuted by DfE today (13 Aug).

The government’s new gold-standard GCSEs and A levels are the culmination of a programme of reform over seven years, after employers and universities told us pupils weren’t being prepared for the future. The new, more rigorous qualifications will ensure students have the knowledge they need to succeed both in further study and in the workplace.‎

However, when qualifications change, it is perfectly normal to see a dip in pupil performance. To help manage this change, Ofqual requires exam boards to use an approach called comparable outcomes. This means that if pupils this year have a similar ability profile to pupils last year, broadly the same proportion will achieve the same grades as last year. This approach ensures that the first cohort of students to study the reformed courses are not disadvantaged, which means grade boundaries do tend to be lower.

A Department for Education spokesperson said:

We have reformed A levels to meet the expectations of universities and employers, and our new gold standard GCSEs are on a par with qualifications in the best education systems in the world. These reforms will ensure students have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed both in further study and in the workplace.‎

Ofqual has been clear that the qualification standard for A levels remains the same, meaning a student who would have previously achieved an A grade would still do so in the reformed qualification.‎ GCSEs are more rigorous and both teachers and pupils rose to the challenge of the new exams last year.

Ofqual always ensures no student is disproportionately affected by changes tic qualifications, as they do each year for any new exam. Since 2014 we have been working with the exam regulator and the exam boards to ensure teachers are prepared to deliver these changes.

Ofsted Assessment Framework

Ofsted propose to consult on updates to their Education Inspection Framework early in 2019, which has lead to suggestions that Ofsted is planning to make changes to their school assessment framework, with exams being downgraded as a measure of quality in favour of prioritising a rich curriculum and quality of education.

Exams and assessments have always been a key factor in reviewing school performance as part of a well-rounded framework. Schools are already required to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, offering a range of subjects to pupils. In a recent speech, the Education Secretary made clear his commitment to a well-rounded education and the importance of a wealth of different experiences including extra-curricular activities.

A Department for Education spokesperson said:

We do not comment on speculation. Exams and assessments have always been one of several measures to judge a school’s performance and this will continue.

All children should have a broad, balanced and rounded education. We have always made this clear and the Ofsted inspection framework already ‎requires schools to demonstrate this.

Our exams are on par with the world’s best education systems and will ensure young people have the knowledge and skills businesses tell us they need from their future employees.