The eAA responds to Ofqual’s consultation on the regulation of on-screen assessment

We welcome Ofqual’s consultation on the regulation of on-screen assessment for GCSEs, AS and A levels in England and will be submitting our response. As the leading global community dedicated to digital assessment we are committed to working with Ofqual and the wider assessment community to help shape the successful transition to digital assessment.

The recent UK Government’s curriculum review for England recommended a cautious approach to implementing digital assessment, missing a crucial opportunity to make meaningful progress. The report accompanying this consultation, On-screen assessment: the evidence base for Ofqual’s consultation, clearly identifies the well-documented benefits of digital assessment. However, it is disappointing to see that England remains in a prolonged cycle of discussion and caution.

Since the e-Assessment Association was founded in 2008, we have consistently seen advances in digital assessment globally bring significant benefits to learners. However, England continues to lag behind.

There is overwhelming evidence that digital assessment can improve accessibility for learners, support adaptive and more personalised forms of testing, enable more reliable measurement of skills, and better prepare students for the digital environments they will encounter in further study and the workplace. These are not hypothetical benefits; they are proven, real-world outcomes already being delivered in other national systems.

England risks falling further behind if it continues to treat on-screen assessment as developmental rather than a mainstream, modern assessment approach. The challenges of infrastructure, readiness and security are genuine but entirely solvable.

Patrick Coates, CEO of the e-Assessment Association says, “After more than 15 years of evidence and international practice, it is disappointing that England is still debating the fundamentals of on-screen assessment rather than planning for widescale implementation. We know digital assessment works. We know it improves accessibility. We know adaptive and technology-enhanced approaches can make assessment fairer, more responsive and more reflective of real-world skills.

“Other countries have already demonstrated that these benefits can be delivered securely and at scale. The question for England is whether we are prepared to match that ambition. The eAA’s unique position means we are ready to support this transition with access to the experts and practical guidance needed to move forward with confidence, in partnership with Ofqual, other regulators and the wider sector.

“Our National Examinations Roundtable brings together senior representatives from governments and national exam boards in the UK and internationally, demonstrating the value of shared dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Building on this spirit of cooperation, closer alignment and coordination across regulatory bodies in the UK would support greater clarity and fairness for learners, providers and practitioners as digital assessment evolves.”

The eAA remains committed to supporting a phased, evidence-driven transition that prioritises fairness, accessibility and trust, and we urge policymakers and system leaders to move beyond caution and towards meaningful, sustained progress. We stand ready to work constructively with Ofqual and all relevant bodies to ensure this transition is coherent, future-focused and aligned across the system.

The e-Assessment Association encourages the assessment community to respond to the consultation which closes on Thursday 5 March 2025 at 11:59pm. Subject to the outcome of this consultation, detailed rules and guidance will follow in 2026.

Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/regulating-on-screen-assessment/regulating-on-screen-assessment

Respond to the consultation here: https://ofqual.citizenspace.com/public/regulating-on-screen-assessments/

About the eAA 

The e-Assessment Association plays a vital role in bringing together a global community of awarding organisations, assessment providers, technology experts, academics, and educational institutions dedicated to advancing the field of digital assessment. By fostering collaboration across these diverse stakeholders, we create a unique platform to share expertise, insights, and best practices that drive innovation and address the evolving needs of the assessment landscape.

This extensive network of professionals equips the eAA with a deep understanding of assessment technologies and their applications, enabling us to address complex challenges such as ethical considerations, accessibility, and the rapid pace of technological evolution. As digital assessment becomes more central to education and professional qualifications, our role in shaping this transformation ensures that it remains inclusive, equitable, and aligned with the highest standards of integrity.

Central to our mission is the eAA’s unwavering commitment to fostering confidence and trust in digital assessments. This includes addressing critical issues like data security, ensuring assessments are accessible to all learners, and building frameworks that inspire trust among stakeholders. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, we help guide the global assessment community toward solutions that not only meet today’s demands but also anticipate future challenges, ensuring that digital assessments are secure, fair, and impactful for learners worldwide.

Individuals can join the eAA for free – find out more here.