Marking and grading are proceeding as usual this summer, with plans to continue this approach in the coming years. This consistency ensures that students’ qualifications remain trustworthy and reflective of their knowledge and skills.
The Importance of Consistent Grading
One of Ofqual’s crucial responsibilities is setting and maintaining appropriate qualification standards. This consistency reassures students that their qualifications hold value and can be trusted, both now and in the future.
Returning to normal grading practices last year was essential for ensuring grades accurately reflect what students know, understand, and can achieve.
Marking and Grading Process
Exams are being marked anonymously by expert examiners, maintaining fairness and objectivity. Non-exam assessments, typically handled by teachers, are verified by exam board moderators or marked directly by expert examiners. This comprehensive approach ensures the reliability of the grading process.
Setting Grade Boundaries
Grade boundaries for external exams are set after the assessments have been taken and near the completion of marking. In order to achieve this, senior examiners recommend these boundaries based on a mix of judgmental and technical evidence.
Furthermore, these boundaries may change annually to ensure that the standard of work required for each grade remains stable and to accommodate any variations in the difficulty of the assessments.
Grade Boundary Setting Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Students complete assessments. |
| 2 | Expert examiners conduct anonymous marking. |
| 3 | Senior examiners review a range of evidence. |
| 4 | Grade boundaries are set to maintain standards. |
Expected Results for 2023
Overall results for GCSEs and A levels this summer are expected to be broadly similar to those in 2023. It is normal for results to fluctuate slightly each year due to changes in the student cohort and their performance in assessments.
For vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs), some assessments are graded using pre-set criteria, ensuring transparency and consistency.
Vocational and Technical Qualifications
New Tech Awards and Technical Qualifications within T Levels are being awarded for the first time this year. Ofqual has asked awarding organisations to consider the unfamiliarity of these new assessments when setting grade boundaries.
This consideration helps ensure fair and accurate grading for students and teachers who are still adapting to these new qualifications.
Adjustments in Grading Standards
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE computer science, first awarded in 2012, has undergone several changes, leading to an increase in the number of students taking the qualification. Research indicates that grading standards may have become slightly more stringent from 2014 to 2019 due to these changes.
To address this, Ofqual requires exam boards to award more generously at grades 9, 7, and 4 this summer, ensuring fairer grading standards.
GCSE French and German
Following an extensive review, Ofqual decided in 2019 to align grading standards in GCSE French and German with Spanish. This summer, further positive adjustments will be made at grades 7 and 4 in both French and German, and at grade 9 in German.
These adjustments aim to maintain alignment and ensure consistency across these language subjects.
The Final Word
In summary, grading in England is proceeding as normal this summer, with consistent standards maintained to ensure the reliability and value of students’ qualifications.
Adjustments in specific subjects such as GCSE computer science, French, and German demonstrate Ofqual’s commitment to fair and equitable grading.
This approach helps students progress confidently to the next stage of their lives, knowing their grades accurately reflect their abilities.
