Commenting on proposals by Ofqual for exams including GCSEs and A Levels to be taken on screens, Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Ofqual’s carefully managed approach to on screen assessments in GCSE and A levels seems a sensible one.

“IT provision, connectivity and staff expertise are currently inconsistent across schools and colleges and there are digital inequalities between students – expanding onscreen assessment without addressing these issues could lead to disadvantage for some students.

“It seems right that the devices for students to use would be provided, but this could be a barrier to some schools engaging with these new qualifications if there is no additional investment.

“It’s important that Ofqual listens carefully to both the exam boards and to school leaders to harness all of the potential benefits but also to  fully understand the potential barriers and risks and how these can be overcome.”