How Accurate Are UK Exam Results?

HOW ACCURATE ARE UK EXAM RESULTS? The credibility of UK exam results is in question as exam board Ofqual receives a record number of enquiries for 2014. 15.7M scripts were marked this year. 8.1MGCSE and A-Level grades were awarded. 4 OUT OF 5 headteachers thought some grades were wrongly awarded. 2014 has seen an increase in enquiries for reviews by 48% Most reviews saw a change of 1 or 2 marks. Yet a small proportion of students saw a considerable change, one student's English Literature A-Level grade was changed from a D to an A. This is disappointing for students and the exam boards alike. 20% of challenges led to NEW GRADES 45, 500 corrections out = <1% Although this is a relatively small percentage, officials are concerned that this is a trend that's getting worse. It costs £40 - £90 to get a review. Many schools can't afford to pay for challenges regularly. CONCLUSION Ofqual and the exam boards want to reassure schools and ask them to have faith in the exam marking process. Nevertheless, many students' places at university have been put in jeopardy this year. DYER ENVIRONMENTAL www.dyerenvironmental.co.uk Sources: hitp://ofqual.gov.uk/standards/statistics/enquiries-about-results/ http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/21/fears-poor-marking-exam-appeals-a- levels-gcse-hit-new-high :D