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A levels and GCSEs

Managing worries around results day – some strategies that might help

Photo of wild flowers. Bottom half of image is of a meadow of small, white flowers with blue sky, filled with large white fluffy clouds at the top

When we talk about worry around exams, we often focus on the exams themselves, or the process of revision and can forget that waiting to receive your results and results day itself can be just as worrying. This may be …

What students, teachers, parents and carers think and feel about assessments this year in the wake of the pandemic

Female student, holding study books, smiles at camera.

Foreword by Paul Newton, Ofqual Research Chair. Ofqual has a statutory duty to promote public confidence in regulated qualifications, which means that we need to listen carefully to what people think and feel about them. Never has this obligation been …

Teacher judgements in 2021: what we can learn from 2020

Students studying

Last year we spoke to staff in schools and colleges after they had submitted their Centre Assessment Grades (CAGs) and rank orders for summer 2020 GCSE, AS and A levels, as well as for many vocational qualifications. We interviewed over …

Quality assurance for GCSE, AS and A level: information for schools and colleges

A person holding an apple in each hand

This summer, with exams cancelled, the quality assurance (QA) process for qualifications in England is different from the usual moderation process. This is a guide to what schools and colleges can expect.

Feeling worried about grades this year is understandable. Here are some things that might help…

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: A levels and GCSEs, Exams
Female student holds notepad.

An article for students from Professor Kevin Woods and psychologists at Manchester University.   A few weeks ago, schools and colleges opened their doors again to all students. In many ways, it’s “back to normal” but some things are still …

Consultation update and a proposal for externally-set papers

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: A levels and GCSEs, Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A level students gathered on school steps

Our joint consultation with the Department for Education on awarding GCSE, AS and A level grades closes today (29 January) and we have already received over 90,000 responses. It is hugely important for those who will be affected by these arrangements to be able to shape the way ahead.

How 2021 could look for students and learners – we want your views

Student looking up at the blue sky

Ofqual and the Department for Education are jointly consulting on arrangements for awarding grades for GCSE, AS and A levels this summer and on awarding arrangements for a range of vocational and technical qualifications.