Ofqual Launch ‘Regulating On Screen Assessment’ Consultation To Protect Standards In On-Screen Exams

Ofqual is today launching a twelve-week public consultation on its proposed approach to regulating on-screen exams in GCSEs, AS and A levels. The proposals aim to support responsible innovation while protecting fairness, standards and the integrity of England’s qualifications system. The consultation, titled Regulating on-screen assessment, builds on joint research by Ofqual and the Department for Education.

The research explores the opportunities, risks and practical challenges of introducing on-screen exams in high-stakes qualifications. This work has highlighted potential benefits for students, while also recognising the need for careful oversight.

Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, said:
“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.”

Steve Rollett, Deputy Chief Executive at the Confederation of School Trusts, said:
“We welcome this thoughtful consultation on on-screen assessments. School trusts recognise the potential benefits technology can bring to assessment, but it’s vital that any changes are introduced carefully and with proper safeguards.

“The proposed approach shows the right balance between innovation and protecting standards. We encourage our members to engage with this consultation and share their practical insights on what would work best for schools and students.”

Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“We’re really pleased that Ofqual is exploring the potential for on-screen assessment in the future, as there are several possible benefits to utilising digital technology for exams.
“This would represent a significant change, with many practical issues, and a measured approach is the right way to proceed. This consultation is an important step forward, and we encourage all stakeholders to respond and share their professional expertise.”

Under the proposals, the four exam boards delivering GCSEs, AS and A levels in England would be allowed to introduce up to two new on-screen specifications each, subject to Ofqual accreditation. The most popular subjects, those with over 100,000 entries nationally, would not be permitted as on-screen exams at this stage.

Students would not be allowed to use their own personal devices for exams. On-screen and paper versions would be offered as completely separate qualifications with different questions to maintain standards and transparency.

The consultation will run until Wednesday 5 March 2026, and responses will inform Ofqual’s final approach to regulating on-screen assessments. The consultation also seeks views on how the proposed principles might apply to vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs), where on-screen assessment is already more established.

Sector Reaction

Commenting on proposals by Ofqual for exams including GCSEs and A Levels to be taken on screens, Sarah Hannafin, Head of Policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Ofqual’s carefully managed approach to on screen assessments in GCSE and A levels seems a sensible one.

“IT provision, connectivity and staff expertise are currently inconsistent across schools and colleges and there are digital inequalities between students – expanding onscreen assessment without addressing these issues could lead to disadvantage for some students.

“It seems right that the devices for students to use would be provided, but this could be a barrier to some schools engaging with these new qualifications if there is no additional investment.

“It’s important that Ofqual listens carefully to both the exam boards and to school leaders to harness all of the potential benefits but also to  fully understand the potential barriers and risks and how these can be overcome.”