Industry News
Independent exams regulator 'inadequate'
Posted on 28th September 2007
The Liberal Democrats schools spokesperson David Laws has said Labour's announcement that it will create a new independent body to monitor exam standards is "inadequate".
Children, schools and families secretary Ed Balls announced an independent regulator would be created to build on the achievements of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and to boost confidence in the standard of assessment.
He said the QCA had shown "robust independence" but the fact it had to report to ministers made it hard to demonstrate it was regulating independently.
However, Mr Laws says the government should "have the courage of its convictions" and replace the QCA entirely with an independent body.
"For years the education of our children has been undermined by political meddling in the curriculum and exam standards, but this move is simply inadequate," he said.
A new body could not just monitor exams but could commission and advise on educational practice, Mr Laws added.
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