JCQ has issued its interim progress report in response to the Independent Commission on Exam Malpractice, published in September 2019.

The Commission’s report included a number of recommendations for a wide range of stakeholders, with 51 recommendations for JCQ to address directly or in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Following the creation of the JCQ’s Malpractice Commission Implementation Forum, several areas of action have been identified:

The use of the term ‘malpractice’

JCQ will consult during March 2020 with publication of a definition by June 2020.

Watches in the exam room

Again, JCQ will consult early in 2020 on the recommendation from the Independent Commission for a ban on all watches.

Communications

In 2020, JCQ will relaunch its website, further improve its social media messaging, produce a regular subscription e-newsletter, and consult more in order to adopt a more personal approach and widen its communications to schools, colleges, candidates and parents. Communications will aim to improve awareness of good exam practice, highlight the implications of malpractice, and support students through what can be a stressful time.

Reporting on malpractice

JCQ will introduce an annual malpractice report identifying key trends and sharing best practice. Given that there are already existing reports on malpractice, consultation on the format of the report will take place in June 2020 with the first report proposed for November 2020.

Access arrangements

JCQ is proposing a major project on access arrangements to review current activity and develop an annual summary to highlight key trends. Consultation with key stakeholders will take place from March 2020 with potential new data collection in the 2020/2021 academic year and an annual report following the 2021 summer exams.

Training

JCQ will carry out a full review of training needs for exams officers, invigilators and assessors in relation to malpractice to consider whether further training provision in addition to existing CPD is required. JCQ will report by the end of 2020 with proposals.