Laptops in Exams? England Weighs a Digital Shift for GCSEs and A-Levels
Let me explain what’s being discussed right now in England’s education system, because it could quietly reshape how students sit some of their biggest exams. According to Ofqual, the qualifications watchdog, certain GCSEs and A-levels could be taken on laptops by around 2030. This idea hasn’t been confirmed yet, but a formal public consultation has just been launched, and it’s already sparking debate.
The conversation has been driven largely by student feedback. Many pupils have been saying they struggle with long handwritten exams, not because they don’t know the answers, but because their hands simply get tired. Writing for hours is no longer something young people do every day, and complaints about poor handwriting stamina and aching muscles have become common. Because of this, Ofqual is now exploring whether onscreen exams could offer a fairer alternative in certain subjects.
Also Read:- Inside Susie Wiles’ Grip on Power in Trump’s Second White House
- Alabama Turns to Derrick Nix for a New Era at Wide Receiver Coach
Under the proposal, exam boards would be invited to develop a small number of digital exam options, mainly for subjects with fewer than 100,000 entries. That means large subjects like GCSE maths would stay handwritten, while smaller subjects, such as modern languages, could be included. Importantly, students would not be allowed to bring their own laptops. Schools would provide the equipment, and they could choose whether to offer paper exams, onscreen exams, or both as separate qualifications.
Ofqual has been careful to stress that this is not a sudden rush toward digital-only testing. Sir Ian Bauckham, the chief regulator, has made it clear that pen-and-paper exams are not going anywhere. Handwriting, he says, still plays an important role in learning and cognitive development, and many students feel traditional exams are more serious and trustworthy. In fact, opinions among pupils appear to be evenly split between those who prefer typing and those who still favour writing by hand.
At the same time, research has added weight to the argument for keyboards. Studies by University College London found that students generally performed better when typing essays, including those with learning difficulties. Even so, concerns remain around fair access to technology, cybersecurity risks, technical failures, and whether schools have the space and resources to run laptop-based exams smoothly.
The education secretary has echoed this cautious tone, saying any move toward onscreen exams must be phased, controlled, and fair, especially for students with special educational needs. If the consultation is approved, schools would have several years to prepare, with the first digital exams expected around the end of the decade.
For now, this is less about replacing handwriting and more about giving students another option in a world that’s already digital. The big question is whether technology can improve assessment without compromising fairness or standards.
Read More:
0 Comments