Edexcel welcomed QCA's report on summer 2007 examinations on 12 February and the publication of the Enquiry About Results (EAR) data. We are particularly pleased to note that Edexcel's marking performance has once again improved in quality.

Statistics for exam papers which changed from being traditionally marked in summer 06 series to being marked onscreen with ePen in 2007, show there was a reduction of 15% in the number of requests received for remarking. Perhaps showing an increase in centres’ confidence in marking with ePen. There was, more importantly, a 30% reduction in the number of marks changed on these papers.
We know it is the remarking of A levels which generates most of the debate as it is young people's university places at risk. Overall across the boards, priority 2 EARs slightly increased for A level grades from 12.56% to 14.11%. However, the number of Edexcel EARs resulting in grade changes decreased from 9.78% to 9.35%.

This has confirmed much of our commentary that ePen makes the marking system more secure and better for students. Of course we constantly strive to reduce the figures and every grade change is a concern we take seriously. Edexcel continues to lead by developing smarter ways of using ePen and hopes that 08 summer series will deliver an even better series of results.

A full copy of the report can be seen on the QCA website http://www.qca.org.uk/