This is the conclusion from Ofqual’s three-year joint research project on the impact of modular and linear exam structures at GCSE.

Focusing on English, Maths and Science, the research considered whether change in the structure of GCSE exams has affected standards, fairness, teaching and learning practices, cost, and students themselves.

Ofqual has concluded that in the current educational context, linear examinations are more suitable at GCSE than modular.  Findings include:

• Modular and linear GCSEs lead to similar outcomes overall
• Exam structure does not favour male or female students, or affect the outcomes of low and high socio-economic status students differently.
• Grades awarded at A Level are not statistically significantly affected by whether students have sat modular or linear GCSEs.
• Many teachers say that student performance can be assessed with greater fairness and validity through linear GCSEs.
• There is no cause and effect relationship between student stress and the changes to GCSEs.

This research is part of a programme of on-going work to evaluate the impacts of reforms to GCSEs and A Levels.  Recent information published from Ofqual includes:

• A blog on how teachers and students are responding to new GCSEs and A Levels.
• A report on the impact of reform on the practical skills of A Level Science students.
• An assessment of mathematical skills in AS and A Level Business and AS and A Level Psychology.