Ofqual, the exam regulator, vows to investigate potential unfair advantages in the allocation of extra time for GCSE and A-level exams. New data reveals a significant disparity in extra time provision between private and state schools, raising concerns about 'loophole' exploitation by competitive middle-class families. Ofqual's chief regulator, Sir Ian Bauckham, promises action if evidence of unfair practices is found, potentially targeting exam awarding bodies.
Ofqual has vowed to crack down on pushy parents ‘gaming’ the system to get their children extra time in GCSE and A-level exams. The exam watchdog’s new chief regulator, Sir Ian Bauckham, said he will ‘take action’ if anyone is gaining an unfair advantage.
It comes after new data revealed 42 per cent of pupils in private schools were granted extra time last year, compared with 27 per cent in non-selective state schools. There are fears the disparity could be down to competitive middle class families finding loopholes to unfairly get their children extra time. Sir Ian told the Times Educational Supplement he was ‘surprised’ at the data, and will be investigating following concerns raised by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. He said: ‘If, when we dig into the figures and get under the surface, we find something is happening that isn’t fair to all candidates, whatever school they’re in, then we will take action.He added: ‘Potentially we could see results from this analysis before the end of the year.’ The exam watchdog’s new chief regulator, Sir Ian Bauckham, said he will ‘take action’ if anyone is gaining an unfair advantage It comes after new data revealed 42 per cent of pupils in private schools were granted extra time last year It is understood any potential action would be targeted at the exam awarding bodies, rather than parents themselves. Overall, nearly 420,000 pupils in England are getting extra time in GCSE and A-level exams, compared with 107,000 in 2012-13. This current figure is a record and represents almost a third - 30 per cent - of the total number sitting exams. Students can request extra time because of a special educational need or disability , having English as an additional language or because of a mental health condition. The standard allocation is 25 per cent extra time, although a minority of pupils with greater needs are given more.Andrew O’Neill, head teacher at All Saints Catholic College, a state school, said last month some schools may be ‘gaming the system’ to ‘gain an advantage’ for pupils. Overall, nearly 420,000 pupils in England are getting extra time in GCSE and A-level exams, compared with 107,000 in 2012-13 And Iain Mansfield, head of education at Policy Exchange, said in August: ‘The record number of children receiving extra time is undermining the credibility of our exam system.’ He said officials need to ‘prevent the abuse of what were once intended as exceptional arrangements for those genuinely in need.’ Sir Ian was confirmed as Ofqual’s permanent chief regulator last week after a year in the role on an interim basis.The Independent Schools Council has been contacted for comment.
EXAM TIME PRIVATE SCHOOLS STATE SCHOOLS OFQUAL UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
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