Anthony Butcher

Responding to Ed Balls’ announcement today that regulation of the exams system will be carried out by an independent watchdog, Liberal Democrat Shadow Children, Schools and Families Secretary, David Laws MP said:
"This change is both overdue and underwhelming.
"For years the education of our children has been undermined by political meddling in the curriculum and exam standards, but this move is simply inadequate.
"The credibility of the exam system has seriously declined over recent years. Putting exam standards under independent monitoring is therefore the right first step as I argued last week.
"But the Government should have the courage of its convictions. The whole of the Qualification and Curriculum Authority should be replaced by a independent education standards authority - which should not only monitor exams but independently commission and advise upon good educational practice and curriculum issues."

ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. In his speech to the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference last week, David Laws said:
We need a better balance between freedom and accountability, education and examination.
Just as the independent Bank of England brought stability and credibility to one aspect of economic policy, we should do the same for education.
So my second proposal today is that we consider establishing a fully independent Educational Standards Authority, to replace the Government controlled Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

The aim:
- To restore confidence in our exam system.
- To restore stability to the curriculum.
- To drive up standards, by spreading best educational practice.
It is time to bring to an end the ill considered meddling by ‘bog standard’ Ministers.
2. Last month the Liberal Democrats called for an independent review of exam standards to maintain confidence in the system.
The Education Minister, Jim Knight, responded to the Liberal Democrat policy by saying such a move would "undermine young people’s results".
3. Ed Balls will today announce to the Labour Party conference that the exam system in England will be put in the hands of an independent watchdog to counter criticism that GCSEs and A-levels are getting easier.


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