New research explores public trust in A-Levels

Press release issued: 23 August 2013

A new study that aims to explore public trust in A-Levels is seeking people to share their views. Results from the research, led by the University of Bristol, will be fed back to the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation and English exam boards.

The Economic and Social Research Council [ESRC]-funded study, led by Lucy Simpson, a PhD student from Bristol’s Graduate School of Education aims to explore people’s attitudes and beliefs towards the A-level examination system. The research comes amid concerns that Michael Gove's plans for A-level reform are high-risk, with some top independent schools considering dropping A-levels for an international alternative.

Lucy is seeking people to complete a five-minute anonymous survey that will ask them a number of questions about A-Levels that include whether they believe A-Level exam papers are marked correctly, whether exam boards are honest about their mistakes and if A-levels prepare young people for work.

Lucy Simpson, the study’s lead researcher, said: “Taking part in this study will help in the development of an instrument to measure trust in the A-level examination system.

“This would help us to better monitor trust in these examinations, compare levels of trust between stakeholders groups, and identify areas in need of attention. The credibility of A-levels is dependent upon the public valuing and trusting in them, so their views should be taken seriously.”

People can take part in the survey, which closes on 30 September 2013, at the survey monkey website.

Further information

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues. It supports independent, high quality research which has an impact on business, the public sector and the third sector. The ESRC's total budget for 2012/13 is £205 million. At any one time the ESRC supports over 4,000 researchers and postgraduate students in academic institutions and independent research institutes. More at www.esrc.ac.uk