Connor Toms, Computer Science Subject Advisor

As you may already know, we’re planning a digital GCSE Computer Science qualification – but did you also know that we already offer a digital mock service for our current paper-based GCSE Computer Science (J277)? 

In this blog, I wanted to answer some questions about our plans for digital, and set out the difference between our digital GCSE Computer Science development and the current digital mock service for our paper-based qualification.

What is the digital GCSE Computer Science qualification?

We’re developing a fully digital GCSE Computer Science qualification. Both components of the qualification will be assessed by digital exams, one of which includes a built-in Integrated Development Environment (IDE), where students can write, run, test and refine programming code. 

The aim of this is to offer an authentic and effective assessment of programming skills. We anticipate the exams will include a blend of familiar and interactive question types to appropriately test different content and concepts. The platform includes tools for easy navigation and accessibility features to allow it to be customised.

Will we be able to sit a paper-based GCSE Computer Science once the digital GCSE Computer Science is introduced?

Yes, we plan for schools to still have the option to sit a paper-based GCSE Computer Science once the digital GCSE is introduced. We understand that many schools and colleges may not be ready to offer digital exams yet, so we’re planning to offer a paper-based qualification alongside our digital qualification.

What is the digital mock service for GCSE Computer Science?

We currently offer a digital mock service for our paper-based GCSE Computer Science. This is different from our new digital GCSE Computer Science qualification. The digital mock service provides digital versions of the J277 paper-based exams that can be used by schools as mock exams. The mock exams are completed on a digital platform, but they use the questions from the J277 papers. 

The digital mock service is a paid-for service that enables teachers to have their mock exams marked by an OCR examiner. The benefits of using the digital mock service are: 

• The exams are marked by an OCR examiner, providing confidence in mock outcomes. 
• The service saves teachers time as they do not need to set and mark mock exams. 

If you’re interested in using the digital mock service in the future, please look out for the expression of interest form which we send out ahead of time.

What are the next steps for the digital GCSE Computer Science qualification?

We’re continuing to develop and test our digital qualification, including tests in school environments to gather student and staff feedback. This ongoing work is further informed by the international expertise and experience of digital exams within Cambridge University Press & Assessment. You can read more in our 2024 news article. 

As with all such developments, the new digital GCSE in Computer Science will be subject to Ofqual accreditation and we’ll communicate a first teach date as soon as this is confirmed.

How do I find out more about the digital GCSE Computer Science?

To read more about our progress and the work that we’ve been doing on our digital GCSE Computer Science, please visit our dedicated webpage. 

We’re continuing to trial and test our digital GCSE Computer Science qualification with teachers and students. We’re grateful to those of you who have already made a contribution. If you’d like to be involved in this exciting development, please sign up on the webpage. 

If you have any other questions, please contact one of our computing team using the details below.

Stay connected

If you have any questions, you can email us at computerscience@ocr.org.uk or support@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or message us @OCR_ICT. You can also sign up to our subject updates and receive information about resources and support.

If you are considering teaching any of our qualifications, use our online form to let us know, so that we can help you with more information.

About the author

Before joining OCR in September 2021, Connor worked as a Head of Computing in Cambridgeshire. Prior to teaching, he studied Computer Games Development at the University of Bedfordshire. Outside of work, Connor is a keen golfer, avid tech head and music enthusiast.