Regulator condemns exams blunders

Ofqual chief executive Glenys Stacey issued the warning as details emerged of a third mistake in this year’s AS-level exams.

Around 17,000 sixth-formers taking a multiple choice biology paper set by Edexcel were faced with a question containing four wrong answers – with the right one missed out completely.

Ofqual said it is aware of five errors in total that are under investigation. The details of two are not currently known.

Ms Stacey said she has written to exam boards demanding they put additional checks in place to avoid further mistakes.

“The recent run of exam errors are disappointing and unacceptable,” she said, adding: “We take instances like this very seriously. I am calling on awarding organisations to take steps now to protect students from further disruption and anxiety.”

The letter, sent on behalf of the exam regulators of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, says: “Whilst the vast majority of question papers taken so far have been free from error, you will be aware that there have been a number of papers delivered by a range of awarding organisations that have included an error.

“In some cases these errors have made it impossible for the students taking these examinations to generate the correct answer for the question concerned. We expect, as I am sure you do, that all question papers issued to students should be free from error.

In response, Dr Jim Sinclair, director of the Joint Council for Qualifications, said: “Students and parents should be assured that no one will be disadvantaged as a result of these mistakes.

“Examiners marking the papers are aware of the incidents and will make careful adjustments so that all students receive the marks they deserve.