Education regulator Ofqual has launched a 12-week public consultation on its proposed approach to regulating on-screen exams in GCSEs, AS and A levels.
The proposals aim to support responsible innovation while protecting fairness, standards and the integrity of England’s qualifications system. The consultation, titled Regulating on-screen assessments, builds on joint research by Ofqual and the Department for Education.
The research explores the opportunities, risks and practical challenges of introducing on-screen exams in high-stakes qualifications. This work has highlighted potential benefits for students, while also recognising the need for careful oversight.
Under the proposals, the four exam boards delivering GCSEs, AS and A levels in England would be allowed to introduce up to 2 new on-screen specifications each, subject to Ofqual accreditation. The most popular subjects — those with over 100,000 entries nationally — would not be permitted as on-screen exams at this stage.
Students would not be allowed to use their own personal devices for exams. On-screen and paper versions would be offered as completely separate qualifications with different questions to maintain standards and transparency.
The consultation will run until 5 March 2026, and responses will inform Ofqual’s final approach to regulating on-screen assessments. Ofqual will then publish a summary of responses and outline next steps in 2026
“We welcome this thoughtful consultation on on-screen assessments. School trusts recognise the potential benefits technology can bring to assessment, but it’s vital that any changes are introduced carefully and with proper safeguards,” said Steve Rollett, Deputy Chief Executive at the Confederation of School Trusts.
“The proposed approach shows the right balance between innovation and protecting standards. We encourage our members to engage with this consultation and share their practical insights on what would work best for schools and students.”
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