Arrangements for exams and assessments in 2021
This section relates to summer 2021 examinations Exams are the best and fairest form of assessment. We expect exams and assessments to go ahead next year. We are working closely with Ofqual, awarding organisations and groups representing teachers, schools, colleges and students to develop our approach to exams and other assessments next year. On 2 July, Ofqual published consultation proposals on arrangements for GCSEs, A and AS levels in 2021, From 2 to 16 July, Ofqual consulted on arrangements for GCSEs, A and AS levels in 2021, and its decisions on the changes proposed were published on 3 August. Ofqual is also working with the sector to agree approaches for vocational and technical qualifications. On 2 July it also published its factors and principles shaping the operation and regulation of vocational and technical qualifications’ assessments for 2020 to 2021, and will set out, in the coming weeks, the measures it expects awarding organisations to take, following its recent consultation (3 to 14 August) and ongoing discussions with awarding organisations and professional associations on changes to the extraordinary regulatory framework and proposals for adapted assessments. Timing of summer 2021 exams Ofqual’s consultation on arrangements for exams and assessments next summer sought views on a short delay to the GCSE, A and AS level exam timetable in 2021 with the aim of creating more teaching time. Ofqual will continue to work with the Department for Education, exam boards, regulators in the devolved administrations, and groups representing schools, colleges and higher education to consider the best approach, and will confirm its decisions as soon as possible. Ofqual is also working with the sector to agree approaches for vocational and technical qualifications timetables.