Exams
Stay informed on changes to GCSEs, A-levels, SATs, and alternative assessments. We cover grading policies, exam board decisions, and the evolving landscape of student assessment to help teachers and school leaders prepare effectively.
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Jul- 2025 -8 July
Key stage 2 attainment improves but remains below pre-pandemic levels
The proportion of pupils meeting the expected standard in key stage 2 reading, writing and maths assessments rose to 62% in 2025, up from 61% the previous year. The latest national curriculum statistics, published by the Department for Education, cover tests taken in summer 2025 by year 6 pupils in…
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Jun- 2025 -13 June
SQA issues new guidance on AI use in assessments
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has issued new guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in qualifications assessment for the 2025–26 academic year. The guidance states that learners may use GenAI when it does not undermine their ability to demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and skills required to…
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May- 2025 -7 May
Government to pilot digital exam results
The government has launched a digital exam results pilot to help schools and colleges to save up to £30m a year and cut back bureaucracy. This pilot means that exam certificates will go digital for thousands of students this summer as part of a modernised ‘education record’. Digital records, which…
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Apr- 2025 -29 April
Ruth Perry’s sister calls Ofsted reforms ‘rushed’
The sister of a head teacher who took her own life after her school was downgraded by Ofsted inspectors has labelled the proposed new assessment system as “rushed” and added the process has the “same risks” as before. Speaking to Today on BBC Radio 4, Julia Waters said there was…
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22 April
Over two thirds think new Ofsted reforms are ‘worse’, ABC finds
Ofsted’s proposed inspection reforms have proven to be unpopular with teachers and parents as just one in 10 think they are an improvement on the current arrangements while 62% believe they are worse, The Alternative Big Consultation (ABC) has found. ABC, set up by two former senior HMI, Professor Colin Richards…
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Mar- 2025 -20 March
Ofsted scores improve as it removes headline grade
The number of schools granted good or outstanding judgements by Ofsted increased after it decided to ditch an overall headline score, according to the latest figures released by the watchdog. It comes after it decided to abandon the use of single grade assessments this academic year following the suicide of…
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18 March
SQA appoints Kinross headteacher as senior advisor
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has appointed experienced headteacher Sarah Brown as senior advisor. The role will see Brown – who has been headteacher at Kinross High School since 2015 – lead the development of a dedicated Schools Unit, delivering on SQA’s ‘Prospectus for Change’ commitments to improve support for…
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