STUDENTS at a Newton Abbot school recently feedback their experiences of education to the Chief Regulator of the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).

Sir Ian Bauckham CBE paid a visit to Coombeshea dAcademy, part of Education South West, to hear directly from students and teachers about their experiences with the qualifications system.

Ofqual is the independent regulator for qualifications, exams, and assessments in England, including GCSEs, A Levels, Vocational Technical Qualifications, and apprenticeship assessments.

It ensures qualifications accurately reflect student achievement and maintains public confidence in the exam system.

Ofqual’s current priorities include promoting fairness for students, improving the qualifications market, innovating assessments, and strengthening the organisation as an inclusive and expert regulator.

During his visit, Sir Ian engaged in valuable discussions with senior leaders and exams officers at the school.

They explored how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are being considered in education, including in approaches to maintaining the integrity of assessments while supporting student learning.

Discussions on English and maths Level 2 qualifications also revealed useful perspectives on which aspects of examinations teachers find most helpful and challenging when preparing students.

A particular highlight for Sir Ian was meeting Year 13 students who are pursuing a combination of A Levels and Vocational Technical Qualifications.

They spoke about their educational journeys, subject choices and aspirations for the future.

Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: ‘It was an honour to welcome Sir Ian Bauckham to Coombeshead Academy and to give our students and staff a voice in the national conversation about qualifications and assessment.

‘Our students were articulate and insightful, sharing their real-life experiences of balancing A Levels and vocational courses. It’s vital that their perspectives shape the future of education’.

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: ‘At Education South West, we are committed to being part of the dialogue on how education evolves to meet the needs of every learner.

‘Sir Ian’s visit was a valuable opportunity to reflect on what’s working, what’s challenging, and how innovation - particularly through technology - can support both integrity and inclusivity in assessment’.

Sir Ian Bauckham CBE, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, said: ‘These visits are valuable opportunities to hear directly from educators and students about their experiences with our qualifications system.

‘Ofqual supports innovation that upholds standards for students both now and in the future’.