STORY
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) has announced its new strategic plan, “Ofqual Strategy 2025 to 2028” aiming to uphold the integrity and trustworthiness of qualifications in England over the coming years. Described as a “stewardship” approach, the strategy emphasises a long-term, proactive role in regulating qualifications. This method is gaining international attention for its focus on maintaining stability while adapting to changes in the educational landscape.
Chief Regulator Sir Ian Bauckham CBE stated:
“Ofqual’s focus will be on ensuring that qualifications are high-quality and fair for students, unlocking future opportunities for them while supporting a productive and growing economy. Our stewardship approach will enable us to respond flexibly and with agility to a changing world while maintaining the stability that underpins England’s world-leading qualifications system.”
The strategy outlines five key aims:
Steward: Ensure the safe, fair, and resilient delivery of qualifications and assessments.
Innovate: Oversee the improvement and reform of qualifications.
Strengthen: Enhance the performance, capacity and resilience of the qualifications market.
Engage: Build confidence in qualifications.
Develop: Advance the skills, processes, and systems needed for effective and efficient regulation.
This strategic plan comes at a time of significant change in England’s education system, including an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, and reforms in vocational, technical, and apprenticeship qualifications. Over the next three years, Ofqual aims to refine its regulatory processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, supporting a qualifications system that meets the needs of students, employers and society at large.