The UK exams regulator Ofqual has imposed a £2 million fine on Pearson following a series of serious breaches affecting GCSEs, A-levels, and English language qualifications between 2019 and 2023. The regulator concluded that multiple failures compromised assessment integrity and public confidence in high-stakes examinations.
Among the issues cited were inconsistent grading practices in GCSE English resit exams and significant flaws in A-level Chinese examination papers. Ofqual also identified major security weaknesses in one of Pearson’s online English proficiency tests, which allowed nearly 10,000 candidates’ results were revoked after the test was targeted by organised malpractice.
As a result, Pearson has withdrawn the online test in question and implemented substantially stronger quality assurance and security controls across its assessment operations. Pearson has issued an apology, acknowledging the failings and committing to improvements in exam design, delivery, and oversight.
The decision raises broader concerns about exam integrity, digital assessment security, and equivalence across qualifications, particularly as global exam providers expand online testing models. The ruling has implications for students, schools, and international learners who rely on trusted, regulated credentials for progression and recognition.
