Examination regulators warned of increased high-tech fraud

Exam watchdog warns of rise in cheating in tech sector

The growing use of smart technology could make cheating harder to detect, the head of England's exams regulator has warned.

Sir Ian Bauckham, Ofqual's chief regulator, said invigilators are trained to spot secret equipment, including smart glasses, hidden headphones and pens with embedded screens.

Ofqual data shows that the use of mobile phones and smart devices has been the most common form of malpractice in every summer exam series since 2018. Last year it accounted for 44% of all cases of student malpractice.

More than a million pupils are taking GCSE and A-level exams this summer.

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Ian said schools were reporting attempts to use increasingly sophisticated devices to gain an unfair advantage.

“We hear stories — and I hear this directly in schools as I travel the country — about devices like so-called hidden earbuds, smart glasses that stream text secretly inside the glasses that only the wearer can see, and even ballpoint pens that incorporate seemingly invisible mini video displays,” he said.

Figures from last summer include:

- 2,225 cases involving mobile phones and smart devices

- 545 cases resulting in the disqualification of students from all or part of their diplomas

- 1,240 cases resulting in loss of points

“In the worst case scenario, they could lose all their A-level grades. It changes the future,” Sir Ian said.

“Some of these devices are being marketed openly on the internet, specifically as aids to cheating,” Sir Ian said.

He added that the “vast majority” of students “would not think of cheating.”

“But there is this small minority – and it is a small minority – who have always sought to subvert the system and cheat,” he added.

Sir Ian said exam boards provided training and advice to invigilators and exam leaders on how to identify suspicious devices and behavior in exam rooms.

The head of Ofqual has warned pupils that the likelihood of being caught cheating is high and can lead to “very severe sanctions”.