Ofqual publishes exam readiness reports

• Diploma readiness report summer 2009
• On your marks - A review of awarding bodies' capacity to mark GCSE, A level, principal learning and project examinations in summer 2009

The Diploma report describes Ofqual's work to date on regulating the Diploma, identifies risks to the first delivery of the first awards in August and presents our view on the readiness of the system.

The marker capacity report looks at the awarding organisations' capacity to mark GCSE and A level examinations in summer 2009. It presents a review of marker recruitment, training and quality assurance.

Commenting on these reports, Isabel Nisbet, Acting Chief Executive of Ofqual, said:

"Both of these reports focus on the readiness of the exam system to deliver results this summer. We will be monitoring the summer examinations to make sure that they are delivered safely and securely, to ensure that learners, further and higher education institutions and employers can be satisfied of the integrity of results and have confidence in the system.

"The report on examiners' recruitment, training and quality assurance shows that the examination system is generally in good health. I am reassured by the actions awarding organisations have taken and the measures they have put in place to ensure that the level and quality of marking is at its highest.

"We have monitored the introduction of the Diplomas carefully as the first students work towards their qualifications. The systems and contingencies in place across the organisations involved in delivering the Diploma should facilitate the delivery of the Diploma results this summer. There are still potential risks to the delivery of the Diploma but wherever possible mitigation strategies are in place to support the delivery and ensure that students this year get the results their work deserves."

Notes to editors

1. Copies of these reports are attached.
2. Ofqual in its interim form is a part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). On 2 April 2008, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, announced that the government intended to legislate to make Ofqual a separate statutory authority reporting directly to Parliament.
3. For further information please contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342, or 07798 924552 outside office hours. Members of the public should call the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3346.