Ofqual, known formally as the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, is the non-ministerial government department in England responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Its primary role is to maintain standards and confidence in qualifications, ensuring that they are rigorous, valid, and comparable.
Ofqual oversees a wide range of qualifications, including those offered in schools, colleges, and vocational training centers. It sets standards for qualifications, accredits awarding organizations (AOs), monitors exam and assessment processes, and investigates cases of malpractice or misconduct.
Overall, Ofqual plays a crucial role in safeguarding the quality and integrity of qualifications and assessments in England, helping to ensure that learners receive qualifications that are meaningful and valued by employers and educational institutions.