27 Jun 2025
As the summer series has drawn to a close, we begin to analyse how examinations have been managed, administered and conducted over recent weeks.
Although further information will emerge in the coming months, initial feedback suggests that, in general, the summer 2025 series seems to have gone very well with no major issues.
Here are some of the key areas:
JCQ Centre Inspections
Exams officers continue to request a meeting between the JCQ inspector and their senior leader/head of centre during the inspection to identify tasks which fall under their remit or are included within their role and responsibilities.
There has been less criticism and complaints of centre inspections with a reduction in:
- inconsistencies in the information requested during an inspection
- instances of inspectors quoting incorrectly from the JCQ regulations
Following the introduction of the pilot policy survey which is sent to the head of centre, the lesser focus upon exam-related policies has also improved the ‘centre experience’ during a general inspection.
Exams officers seem to be better prepared for centre inspections. This is as a result of:
- information shared during JCQ webinars
- presentations at conferences by key JCQ/JCQ Centre Inspection Service staff (in particular, Lynne Dustan and Nick Lait)
- comprehensive training provided by the awarding bodies and The Exams Office
Parental/candidate requests
Parental pressure on centres for concessions for their child continues to be a growing problem. This is exacerbated by senior leaders who are submitting to this pressure due to a lack of knowledge of the regulations.
Centres are coming under Increased pressure from parents and candidates for access arrangements, individual rooming requests and requests to submit special consideration applications for trivial issues.
Many requests are made due to a lack of awareness of the regulations, or a misinterpretation of the regulations, which, if accommodated, would result in a centre engaging in malpractice.
Access arrangements
A significant number of exams officers continue to highlight their SENCos lack of knowledge of JCQ regulations, particularly in relation to:
- their role and responsibilities
- managing supervised rest breaks
- granting of extra time
- understanding the definition and significance of 'normal way of working' when granting candidates an access arrangement during their examination(s)
An increasing number of centres have highlighted a growing number of candidates – and the associated invigilator resources/costs – who require access to a mobile phone for medical purposes in the exam room.
Senior leaders
A significant number of exams officers have reported that although senior leaders are playing a more active role in the examination system within the centre, they are making decisions with a lack of knowledge of JCQ regulations. Consequently, they are making requests – or agreeing to parental/candidate requests - without referring to, or being aware of, the regulations.
Unauthorised items
The number of unauthorised items which may pose a threat to the integrity of examinations continues to grow. This includes new, and affordable technology such as ‘cheat calculators' and smart (AI) glasses.
Parcelforce Worldwide (Dispatch of exam scripts: yellow label service)
The NAEO has received 186 reports of issues relating to the collection of scripts, a significant number of which relate to:
- failed collections
- attempted collections outside of centre hours
However, it must be stated that Parcelforce Worldwide (PFW) are very quick to respond to issues and deal with these very efficiently.
The NAEO’s new initiative – the PFW Driver of the Year – was launched after requests from exams officers to praise their driver. Nominations from 230 exams officers have been received for this award.
Invigilation
The standard of invigilation, particular amongst external invigilators remains very high. Invigilators seem to be well-trained in JCQ regulations are aware of how to deal with irregularities and instances of malpractice.