ISC CEO responds to Ofqual withdrawing its data on exam access arrangements
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, has commented on the withdrawal of Ofqual statistics which "significantly overstated" the number of pupils given extra time in their exams.
The exams regulator has announced it is withdrawing its figures on access arrangements for GCSE and A levels from 2014 to 2024 after data issues were found.
The original figures, published in November, suggested that 41.8% of all candidates in independent centres were granted 25% extra time in their exams in 2023/24, compared with 26.5% in non-selective state schools.
Ofqual's new analysis indicates that the proportion of students receiving access arrangements is "much more closely aligned" with the proportion of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the school population. According to figures published by the Department for Education (DfE) last month, 19.5% of pupils in England had SEND support or an education, health and care plan (EHCP) in 2024/25.
Ms Robinson said: "Ofqual is supposed to be the trusted source for exam statistics and as a result of these significant errors, independent schools have wrongly seen their results undermined and their integrity questioned.
"We are pleased that the investigation instigated by the DfE will lead to a correction of the record and we hope an apology will be forthcoming."