Ofqual investigates the potential of AI-powered solutions to mark exams.
At the moment, AI presents significant challenges to academic integrity, according to the chief regulator of the UK’s exams watchdog, Ofqual.
Speaking on 13th January to the House of Commons Education Select Committee, Sir Ian Bauckham highlighted growing anxiety over the misuse of AI by students in their exam coursework, especially in subjects such as English or history A-levels, where written work makes up a significant portion of the grade.
Cheating in this way risks academic credibility and Sir Ian reported that teachers around the UK had told him that it was a “cause for anxiety”.
When will AI mark exams?
Ofqual is doing work on the use of AI in the examination process, but it says that such systems are not yet suitable for marking GCSE or A-level papers, due to issues of accuracy and transparency in its decision making.
However, while it is not currently suitable to award marks by itself, it does offer possibilities for quality assurance and as a training aid for exam markers.
References
- ‘Cause for anxiety’ over AI being used by students to cheat, says exams regulator boss. Available at https://news.sky.com/story/cause-for-anxiety-over-ai-being-used-by-students-to-cheat-says-exams-regulator-boss-13493751 (Accessed 21 January 2026)
- Using AI in marking: why technical capability, fairness, and transparency all matter. Available at https://ofqual.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/14/using-ai-in-marking-why-technical-capability-fairness-and-transparency-all-matter/ (Accessed 21 January 2026)
