General Teaching Council Northern Ireland

Ofqual appointed to investigate Chemistry A level result

DE

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has appointed Ofqual to undertake the investigation into how incorrect grades were advised to Chemistry A level students.

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is the independent regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and of vocational qualifications in the North of Ireland.

Minister Ruane said: “Immediately upon learning of the failure in the marking of the Chemistry A level by CCEA I said I wanted a full external investigation into this.

“The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation will undertake the investigation which will comprise two stages. The first stage will look specifically at this particular failure, while the second stage will be a more detailed review of processes and practices within CCEA. The findings and recommendations from both stages will be made public. The investigation will begin immediately and I would hope to receive the first report by the end of September 2010.

“Students, their parents, teachers and the wider community need to have confidence in our examinations systems. This investigation is the first step towards CCEA regaining that confidence.”