Ofqual 'to investigate falling standards'

Qualifications watchdog Ofqual is set to investigate whether exams are getting easier for pupils in England.

The organisation said it intends to open an "objective and constructive debate" on the issue.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Ofqual chief executive Glenys Stacey said: "We do a lot of work to maintain standards on all the key qualifications across the board on subject matters and subject levels.

"But there is still a public concern over standards and a feeling that things aren't what they used to be."

The organisation is likely to look at issues such as the modularisation of exams and the number of re-sits students can take.

Ms Stacey added that any investigation will be carried out fairly.

The number of students gaining A* and A grades increased for the 22nd consecutive year in 2010.

This has led to criticism from some quarters that exams are getting easier.

Posted by Dolcie Thacker
 

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