STORY
The UK government has announced a new initiative to digitise exam records, aiming to modernise the education system and reduce administrative burdens on schools and colleges. The pilot programme will see over 95,000 students in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands receive their GCSE results through the newly developed Education Record app this summer.
The move is part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change” which seeks to integrate technology into public services to enhance efficiency and cut costs. By transitioning from paper-based certificates to digital records, the Department for Education estimates potential savings of up to £30 million annually once the programme is fully implemented nationwide. These savings could fund the salaries of more than 600 new teachers in further education.
Education Minister Stephen Morgan highlighted the benefits of the digital shift, stating:
“It is high time exam records were brought into the 21st century, and this pilot will allow schools and colleges to focus on what they do best: teaching the next generation rather than being bogged down in bureaucracy.”
The Education Record app is designed to consolidate students’ academic achievements into a single, easily accessible platform. This will facilitate smoother transitions when applying for further education, apprenticeships, or employment, eliminating the need for manual handling of paper documents.
Hathershaw College in Oldham has been trialling the app since spring 2024. Principal Mark Giles reported positive feedback from both students and staff, noting that the digital records were accurate, verifiable, and promptly available for presentation to educational providers. He also suggested potential future applications of the app, such as assisting parents during their children’s transition from primary to secondary education.
This initiative aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise public services through technology, aiming for significant productivity savings across various sectors. The success of this pilot could pave the way for a nationwide rollout, marking a significant step towards a more efficient and digitally integrated education system.