Last updated: 22 Nov 2005

The report was completed by canvassing over 1,700 teachers' views, in-depth interviews with over 460 candidates and more than 400 parents. Most teachers felt that coursework was an integral part of exams and over 95 per cent of English teachers valued coursework.

The wide ranging report covers issues such as the value of coursework, coursework assignments and issues affecting coursework including authentication, malpractice and confidence in marking and moderating coursework.

Ken Boston, QCA Chief Executive, said:

This was a routine review designed to monitor and report on the quality of coursework and to make such improvements as might be necessary. It is through such vigilance that standards are maintained.

The specific aim of the review was to consider the role of coursework in current GCSE and GCE specifications; to canvass opinions, examine issues and ensure that appropriate risk management procedures are in place to minimize the potential for malpractice.

Coursework has clear education benefits, but carries some risk. This report enables the regulatory authorities to take further action to manage the risk, obtain greater clarity for teachers and parents, and ensure that any malpractice is detected and penalised.

In response to the report, QCA has:

• Established a taskforce to be chaired by Mrs Sue Kirkham, a member of the QCA Board and an experienced headteacher, to report in February 2006 on the strengthening of arrangements for the authentication of coursework for the summer 2006 examination series.
• Invited Professor Jean Underwood of Nottingham Trent University to advise QCA as regulator on the technical aspects of detecting internet plagiarism, and to help to develop a detection strategy across awarding bodies and centres
• Committed to produce guidance for parents and candidates on the scope for legitimate family support for coursework, on the nature of plagiarism and collusion, and on the consequences of malpractice.

The Institute of Educational Assessors will support and develop the skills of markers and assessors, including coursework moderation skills. The Institute will be launched in April 2006.

Notes to editors

1. A copy of the report can be found at www.qca.org.uk/qca_4159.aspx
2. A copy of the leaflet Coursework: a guide for parents can be found at www.qca.org.uk/qca_4184.aspx
3. For further information please contact the QCA press office on 020 7509 6789 or the out of hours duty officer on 07798 924 552.
4. Customers should contact customer service on 020 7509 5556 for further information.