Introduction
1. In August 2002 following the publication
of the A level results, the A level examination system was heavily
criticised by students, teachers, individual examiners and the
media. There was considerable concern that a very large number
of students' grades had been manipulated by the examination boards
in order to ensure that the introduction of Curriculum 2000 did
not lead to grade inflation. The DfES responded to this by announcing
an independent inquiry by Mr Mike Tomlinson, former Chief Inspector
of Schools. The QCA undertook an inquiry into course marking at
100 schools which focused on the complaints made against the examination
boards.
2. On 27 September, the then Secretary of State,
the Rt Hon Estelle Morris MP, sacked the Chairman of the QCA,
Sir William Stubbs, "to restore and maintain confidence in
the examination system".[1]
She then resigned, herself, on Wednesday 23rd October 2002. Whilst
our inquiry did take note of these events, our main concern was
to establish the events behind the public debate on A level standards.
We were concerned that the A level system had again been criticised
and that the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority [QCA], the
examination boards and the DfES did not appear to be working together
effectively. We announced our inquiry into A level standards and
the work of the QCA on 7 October 2002. Our inquiry focused on
the role of the QCA, the DfES and the relevant English awarding
bodies.
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