Calls for a re-mark of a question from the 2025 GCSE maths paper have intensified following a decision by Ofqual, the exams regulator. This situation arose after a complaint regarding the marking of a specific question was upheld by Ofqual.
Background of the Complaint
The complaint was lodged by a maths teacher who expressed concerns about the handling of their initial grievance by Cambridge OCR, one of England’s prominent exam boards. This teacher highlighted issues with Question 6, which involved the dimensions of a fridge, on both foundation and higher-tier maths papers.
Ofqual’s Findings
In a letter dated February 19, Ofqual confirmed that it had upheld the teacher’s complaint. The regulator identified several critical areas of non-compliance, which included the requirement for awarding organizations to provide clear documentation outlining how to differentiate learners’ attainment.
- Ofqual found potential risks of delivering inconsistent information to students.
- The regulator noted that these issues could lead to disadvantages over time.
- Three separate criteria for compliance were highlighted as unmet by Cambridge OCR.
Response from Cambridge OCR
In response to Ofqual’s findings, Cambridge OCR acknowledged issues seen in their past materials but maintained that there were no errors in Question 6 or its marking scheme. The board asserted that a re-mark of this question was unnecessary.
Public Response and Support
Amid this controversy, an online petition was launched and has garnered over 1,000 signatures. The petition details the complaint and criticizes the exam board for failing students. A blog post associated with the petition suggests that students might need to resit their GCSEs due to the marking inconsistencies.
Further Actions by Cambridge OCR
A spokesperson for Cambridge OCR stated that the mark scheme for the questioned problem was consistent with past examinations from 2017, 2019, and 2024. They acknowledged that the wording for questions regarding maximum or minimum possible values could be improved and pledged to clarify such questions in the future.
Ofqual’s Role and Future Implications
Ofqual has remained firm on its position regarding the complaints process. A spokesperson indicated that complaints are investigated thoroughly, and results are communicated to the relevant parties involved. Additionally, the chief regulator, Sir Ian Bauckham, has previously expressed that errors in exam papers are intolerable.
This ongoing situation highlights the crucial balance between accurate assessment and fairness in educational standards. As it develops, the implications for students and teaching professionals remain to be seen.
