Public attitudes towards A levels and GCSEs remain positive, survey finds

19 March 2010

A national survey has found that views of A levels and GCSEs among teachers, students, parents and the public remain largely positive.

Ofqual has today (Friday 19 March) published its annual survey on perceptions of A levels and GCSEs, conducted by Ipsos MORI.

The main aim of the research, which has been carried out annually since 2003, is to track perceptions of the GCSE and A level system.

The main findings of the survey are:

· Perceptions of the A level system remain largely positive, in keeping with previous years.

· There has been a slight increase in the proportion of A level teachers who have concerns on the accuracy and quality of marking, although they remain in the minority.

· Confidence in the GCSE system overall remains high and unchanged from 2008.

· Levels of awareness of Ofqual have risen significantly among teachers, but remain low and unchanged among the public.

· The proportion of teachers who say that Ofqual is either very or fairly effective has doubled (to 31 per cent from 16 per cent in 2008).

Kathleen Tattersall, chair of Ofqual, said: "I am pleased to see that people's perceptions of A levels and GCSE remains positive.

"The survey also shows us that there is more work to do, and we are not complacent. We will continue to work with the awarding organisations to ensure they have the systems in place to continue to deliver high-quality qualifications and that the awarding process is as accurate as it can be, ensuring learners get the grades their work deserves."

The findings of this survey will direct and inform Ofqual's future work in many key areas

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