Industry News
Govt sets out independent regulator plan
Posted on 18th December 2007
Details of proposals for changing the way qualifications and assessments are regulated in Britain have been set out by the government.
Children, schools and families secretary Ed Balls and universities secretary John Denham have outlined plans to create an independent regulator which will take the place of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
The plan was first revealed at the Labour party's conference earlier this year as a means of ending the annual debate about sliding examination standards.
Mr Balls said: "In developing these proposals we have sought to create a system that is right for now, but will also operate effectively in the changing landscape of the coming years."
Chief executive of the QCA Ken Boston told the Commons schools select committee that he would be glad to see the annual debate over standards end.
However, he said he did not anticipate that a new regulator would stop allegations of dumbed-down exams.
© Adfero Ltd