When it comes to exam season, students and teachers alike expect fairness, accuracy, and consistency. However, this summer, concerns have been raised about the reliability of GCSE English exam marking in England. Some high-achieving students found their expected grades disappointingly lower than anticipated, only to have their marks rise dramatically after a re-mark.
Unpredictable Results: A Growing Issue?
The issue at the heart of this debate is the apparent inconsistency in how GCSE English language and literature papers are marked. Stories of individual question marks doubling or grades jumping from a 6 to a 9 have sparked frustration across schools. One head of English expressed their mixed emotions on social media after a student's grade moved up 41 marks after a review: "Buzzing and fuming" captures the sentiment well.
Andrew McCallum, Director of the English and Media Centre, highlighted the widespread unease, stating, "This year we’ve heard from more teachers than ever before about the unreliability of GCSE marking for English." It seems that the very students who consistently perform well are being awarded grades that don’t reflect their ability.
Is Examiner Experience the Problem?
So, what’s causing these discrepancies? Many in the sector have pointed to the level of experience among examiners. Teachers have raised concerns that markers may not have a deep enough understanding of the curriculum, potentially leading to inconsistent or even inaccurate assessments.
Drama teachers have shared similar frustrations, noting large increases in marks after re-marking. One teacher from a rural comprehensive commented, "It appeared the person who’s marked these papers does not know a thing about the course. It’s unbelievable."
The Hidden Cost of Re-Marks
While many students have seen grade increases after re-marks, not everyone can afford to request one. Re-marks cost £42 per paper if the grade does not change—a price too high for many families. As one teacher pointed out, “My students will not get a re-mark as it’s too expensive. So frustrating and unfair.”
This leads to a troubling question: how many students are left with inaccurate grades simply because they cannot afford to challenge the initial marking?
What Are AQA and Ofqual Saying?
AQA, the exam board responsible for the majority of GCSE English exams, has defended its marking process, asserting that reviews of marking are "in line with expectations." AQA emphasized that its examiners are qualified, receive thorough training, and work under strict quality controls.
Ofqual, England's exams regulator, also stated its expectations that exam boards recruit and train examiners to ensure reliable marking. However, as the number of requests for re-marks continues to rise, it’s clear that the system may need a closer look.
What’s Next for GCSE English Exam Marking?
While official statistics on the number of marking reviews won’t be published until later this year, the debate over the reliability of GCSE English exam marking is unlikely to go away. With concerns over examiner experience, the cost of re-marks, and the potential for grade inflation, both exam boards and regulators may need to re-evaluate their systems to ensure fairness for all students.
In the meantime, it’s crucial for schools to support students navigating the sometimes unpredictable world of exam results. After all, as one teacher put it, “These are children’s lives which are being absolutely messed with.”
This blog post is based on the article ‘Experts raise concerns over ‘unreliable’ marking of GCSE English’ by Sally Weale, Education Correspondent for The Guardian, published on Friday, 13 September 2024.
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