Overall confidence levels in GCSEs, A/AS Levels and Applied General Qualifications were on the increase before summer 2020, according to Ofqual’s latest qualifications perceptions survey.

This annual survey, undertaken by learners, parents, employers, teachers, head teachers, higher education institutions (HEIs), and the general public during November and December 2020, highlights changes in general perceptions of qualifications.

New questions were introduced in this survey to capture feedback on the extraordinary arrangements put in place for qualifications due to the pandemic. Responses to these questions, highlighted a dip in confidence in the exam system in 2020.

Survey outcomes include

• GCSEs: compared with surveys from previous waves, understanding of GCSEs increased (62% to 69%), as did confidence in the accuracy of the marking (39% to 46%). Respondents’ views of GCSEs as trusted qualifications remained the same (75%). 
• AS and A Levels: compared with the previous survey, understanding of AS and A Levels increased (59% to 63%) as did confidence in the accuracy of the marking (42% to 49%). Approximately eight in ten respondents (82%) continued to agree that AS and A Levels are trusted qualifications.
• Applied general qualifications (AGQs): levels of understanding of AGQs increased slightly (14% to 16%) and particularly amongst head teachers and HEIs. Levels of agreement that AGQs were good preparation for further study increased from the previous survey.

2020

• Qualifications were less understood and trusted in 2020, with standards perceived as less consistent than usual.
• Respondents were less aware of the 2020 appeals process for GCSEs, AS and A Levels than they would be in a normal year, and said they did not have sufficient information about malpractice in 2020.
• Those surveyed believed that the 2020 qualifications were not as good a preparation for further study and work as they would normally be.

In general, the survey did not show a marked increase in demand for on-screen exams, with in fact, decreased demand from young people than the previous survey.

A report outlining perceptions of vocational and technical qualifications will be published in the summer.