QCA to lose regulatory arm

In December, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) published a consultation paper, Confidence in standards: regulating and developing qualifications and assessment, outlining the Government's proposals for a new independent regulator of qualifications and tests for children, secondary students and adult learners in England. The new Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulator is expected to take over the regulatory role of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) later this year. 

Over the past 10 years there has been a substantial increase in the numbers of students gaining academic and vocational qualifications. According to government sources, the percentage of 15-year olds in England achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE has increased from ca  45 per cent in 1996/7 to ca 60 per cent in 2006/7. Similar increases were witnessed in the numbers of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and A-levels over the same period, with now more young people than ever before obtaining the qualifications they need to go on to higher education. While many educationalists and politicians agree that these increases reflect high standards and the hard work of students and teachers, there is a growing debate about whether or not standards of UK qualifications and assessment are being adequately protected.