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Press Release

Investigation into exam paper errors

16 September 2011

In the June 2011 examination series a small number of our examination question papers contained errors. We have dealt with these errors appropriately and have ensured that the learners affected have been treated fairly. However, we know that such errors cause distress to learners and teachers and undermine confidence in our examinations. We have undertaken an investigation into the errors – which was conducted by a team seconded from KPMG – and are pleased that it has shown that there was no systemic failure in our production processes.

The preparation of exam question papers – from initial drafting, through the many stages of drafting and re-drafting, checking and re-checking, through to final printing – is a complex process involving our senior examiners, who set the papers, our staff who administer them and outside agencies who typeset and print them. We have identified a number of areas where we can make changes in order to improve the process. These include:

Ensuring that the main milestones in the production of question papers are understood and agreed by key personnel at the start of the cycle

Improving communication between all those involved in the production process and ensuring greater consistency of working practices;

Providing greater clarity about the responsibilities of each of the key personnel and undertaking additional training where appropriate;

Introducing additional quality control checks where appropriate.

The investigation identified areas where we can make improvements, and reduce the risk of errors re-occurring, and we have produced a detailed action plan to deal with these.

You can read about our findings in more detail and also a statement from JCQ.



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Assessment and Qualifications Alliance

Assessment and Qualifications Alliance

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