Almost two out of five teachers think A-level marking has deteriorated over the past two years, research suggests.
Almost two out of five teachers think A-level marking has deteriorated over the past two years, research suggests.
Nearly a third of teachers believe GCSE marking has worsened, says a study for exams watchdog, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
Nearly a third of teachers believe GCSE marking has worsened, says a study for exams watchdog, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
But trust in both the A-level and GCSE systems has increased overall, with 76% of the 500 teachers polled saying they have confidence in the examinations.
But trust in both the A-level and GCSE systems has increased overall, with 76% of the 500 teachers polled saying they have confidence in the examinations.
It comes after the QCA said it would look at ways to detect rogue results.
It comes after the QCA said it would look at ways to detect rogue results.
'Inexperienced markers'
'Inexperienced markers'
The QCA commissioned the research into experiences of England's main examinations last year from pollsters Mori.
The QCA commissioned the research into experiences of England's main examinations last year from pollsters Mori.
They asked 500 teachers, 1,765 members of the general public, 136 students and 292 parents their views of A-levels and GCSEs.
They asked 500 teachers, 1,765 members of the general public, 136 students and 292 parents their views of A-levels and GCSEs.
The poll suggested support for both qualifications had grown since 2006.
The poll suggested support for both qualifications had grown since 2006.
A quarter of the general public, and 50% of students now have more confidence in A levels, while teachers' confidence in GCSEs is growing.
A quarter of the general public, and 50% of students now have more confidence in A levels, while teachers' confidence in GCSEs is growing.
But a substantial number of teachers had concerns about the way both exams are marked, the research suggested.
But a substantial number of teachers had concerns about the way both exams are marked, the research suggested.
In both cases, they blamed "a lack of quality or experienced markers".
In both cases, they blamed "a lack of quality or experienced markers".
However, there was a higher level of awareness about the incoming Diplomas - the government's flagship 14-19 qualification combining theoretical and practical learning
However, there was a higher level of awareness about the incoming Diplomas - the government's flagship 14-19 qualification combining theoretical and practical learning
Maybe the whole machine has got too big, maybe the pressure on results is now too great Dr Mary BoustedATL general secretary
Maybe the whole machine has got too big, maybe the pressure on results is now too great Dr Mary BoustedATL general secretary
Students were more likely to be aware of the qualifications than any other group, but two out of five teachers thought the existence of the Diploma would not affect A-levels.
Students were more likely to be aware of the qualifications than any other group, but two out of five teachers thought the existence of the Diploma would not affect A-levels.
The QCA suggested this reflected recent media speculation about the end of A-levels.
The QCA suggested this reflected recent media speculation about the end of A-levels.
This was prompted by Education Secretary Ed Balls' assertion that Diplomas could become the "qualification of choice".
This was prompted by Education Secretary Ed Balls' assertion that Diplomas could become the "qualification of choice".
Dr Jim Sinclair, director of the Joint Council for Qualifications - the umbrella body for exam boards, said there was continuous monitoring throughout the marking process in order to assure the quality and accuracy of results.
Dr Jim Sinclair, director of the Joint Council for Qualifications - the umbrella body for exam boards, said there was continuous monitoring throughout the marking process in order to assure the quality and accuracy of results.
He added: " We regret any inaccuracies which are detected but the number of resulting grade changes is very small."
He added: " We regret any inaccuracies which are detected but the number of resulting grade changes is very small."
The JCQ awarding bodies invested heavily in examiner training, research into marking techniques and on-screen marking to improve reliability even further, he added.
The JCQ awarding bodies invested heavily in examiner training, research into marking techniques and on-screen marking to improve reliability even further, he added.
Alarm bells
Alarm bells
General secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers Dr Mary Bousted said she was becoming increasingly concerned about standards of marking.
General secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers Dr Mary Bousted said she was becoming increasingly concerned about standards of marking.
"Maybe the whole machine has got too big, maybe the pressure on results is now too great.
"Maybe the whole machine has got too big, maybe the pressure on results is now too great.
"It's time to rethink assessment along with the national curriculum, and give a bigger say to the teachers."
"It's time to rethink assessment along with the national curriculum, and give a bigger say to the teachers."
She added: "Research shows that with the right training teacher assessment can be at least as accurate as these hugely expensive exams."
She added: "Research shows that with the right training teacher assessment can be at least as accurate as these hugely expensive exams."
However, a separate report for the QCA looking at the maladministration of key stage tests found an increase in the number of allegations of pupils being "coached".
However, a separate report for the QCA looking at the maladministration of key stage tests found an increase in the number of allegations of pupils being "coached".
With an increase from 14 cases in 2006 to 24 cases in 2007, the overall numbers are small.
With an increase from 14 cases in 2006 to 24 cases in 2007, the overall numbers are small.
But the increase may sound alarm bells among education ministers, who are considering swapping externally marked key stage tests with more teacher assessments.
But the increase may sound alarm bells among education ministers, who are considering swapping externally marked key stage tests with more teacher assessments.
Overall the total number of cases of maladministration decreased by 8% between 2006 and 2007.
Overall the total number of cases of maladministration decreased by 8% between 2006 and 2007.
The QCA also warned of a need for vigilance after the number of candidates with special access arrangements "increased significantly".
The QCA also warned of a need for vigilance after the number of candidates with special access arrangements "increased significantly".
QCA chief Ken Boston said: "This may be due to an increasingly professionalised body of exam officers who work hard to ensure that candidates get the access they are entitled to.
QCA chief Ken Boston said: "This may be due to an increasingly professionalised body of exam officers who work hard to ensure that candidates get the access they are entitled to.
"But we need to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the system remains fair for all learners."
"But we need to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the system remains fair for all learners."
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