Who are Ofqual?
Ofqual is the organisation that keeps England’s exam system fair, consistent, and trustworthy.
They regulate GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational qualifications, making sure every student is assessed to the same high standard.
When you hear about exam rules, grade boundaries, or qualification updates, Ofqual is the team behind it.
What does Ofqual do?
1. Regulates exam boards
Ofqual oversees all major exam boards, including:
- AQA
- Pearson Edexcel
- OCR
- WJEC Eduqas
They check that each board designs, marks, and runs exams in a fair and reliable way.
2. Maintains national standards
Ofqual ensures that:
- a grade means the same standard of achievement every year
- exams are balanced – not too easy and not too difficult
- results are comparable across exam boards
This creates a level playing field for every student, no matter which school they’re studying at.
3. Protects exam integrity
Ofqual works to prevent:
- cheating
- paper leaks
- unfair marking
If something goes wrong, they can step in and investigate.
4. Approves qualifications
Before schools or colleges teach a qualification, Ofqual checks if it meets national standards. This ensures students gain the skills and knowledge they need.
Why is Ofqual important for students?
- Your GCSE results are trusted by colleges, universities, and employers because Ofqual regulates the system.
- No matter which exam board your school chooses, your qualification has the same value.
- If issues arise with exams or marking, Ofqual is there to protect students and ensure fairness.
How can students or parents contact Ofqual?
You can find guidance and updates on Ofqual’s official website. It also has contact details and a public helpline for questions about qualifications.
Just note: Ofqual can’t change individual grades, but they can explain how the system works and what to expect.