GCSE, level 1 and 2 results 2026 at a glance: key trends and context for teachers

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: A levels and GCSEs, Assessments, Exams, Grading, Qualifications, Results, Vocational and technical qualifications

More than 5.7 million GCSE results have been issued to students in England today, along with more than 374,000 results for level 1 and 2 vocational and technical qualifications. This year’s GCSE results are stable overall in comparison with those in 2025. Small variations are normal from year to year and from subject to subject.

A Level and level 3 results 2026 at a glance: key trends and context for teachers 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: A levels and GCSEs, Assessments, Exams, Results, Vocational and technical qualifications

More than 880,000 A and AS Level results have been issued today to students in England, with another 221,000 results for vocational and technical qualifications. These results open doors for students to move on to the next stage in their lives and recognise the effort and quality of work they have displayed.

Fit for purpose: qualification design needs to start with 'why?'

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: A levels and GCSEs, Qualification reform, Qualifications, Vocational and technical qualifications

When we think about qualifications it’s tempting to focus on what they contain: the subjects, the assessments, the grades. But before that, do we really understand what the qualification is for? New research from Ofqual examines this question and sets out a detailed framework for what we call 'purpose analysis'.

Protecting students through smart regulation: introducing the Chief Regulator's Rebuke

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Exams, Qualifications, Regulation

We have issued the first Chief Regulator's Rebuke – a new enforcement tool introduced last October as part of a significant update to Ofqual's Supporting Compliance and Taking Regulatory Action policy. The rebuke has been issued to WJEC, following serious failings involving 4 of its Eduqas GCSE, AS and A level qualifications between 2019 and 2025.

What next for our framework for apprenticeship assessment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Awarding organisations, Qualification reform, Vocational and technical qualifications
An apprentice working

Our new Apprenticeship Assessment Regulatory Framework sets out the final conditions, requirements and guidance for reformed apprenticeship assessment. These reforms are designed to accommodate the Department for Work and Pensions’ new principles of flexibility in the way apprenticeships are assessed. This framework provides that flexibility while ensuring standards for assessment will be upheld.

Why we're consulting on recognition criteria for new qualifications

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Assessments, Awarding organisations, Consultations, Qualification reform, Regulation, Vocational and technical qualifications

Following the Curriculum and Assessment Review, the government is introducing 3 new types of qualification for post-16 learners. Ofqual has launched a consultation on the criteria that awarding organisations must meet to be recognised to deliver these new qualifications. This blog explains what we're proposing and why.

Talking to students about AI in coursework: why the conversation matters

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: A levels and GCSEs, Artificial intelligence, Coursework, Malpractice

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now part of daily life for most young people. Students use them to brainstorm, research, summarise and write. However, AI should not be used to generate coursework without proper disclosure. This is cheating, and the consequences, which can include losing a qualification entirely, are serious.

Using AI in marking: why technical capability, fairness, and transparency all matter

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: A levels and GCSEs, Artificial intelligence, Exams, Marking, Results

Ofqual has published new research exploring artificial intelligence’s potential role in marking, as well as its current capabilities and constraints. Rather than providing definitive answers, the published working paper offers an overview of the topic, shares our current thinking, highlights …

What teachers need to know about our on-screen assessment proposals

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: A levels and GCSEs, Exams, On-screen assessment, Regulation
Students using computers

As teachers, you know better than anyone that GCSEs, AS and A levels are high-stakes qualifications that shape young people's futures. Every decision about how these exams are delivered must start with one question: is this fair for students? That's …