Ofqual has warned of the risk of disqualification for students who take mobile phones into this summer’s GCSE and A-level exams.

Instances of students being found with mobile phones in exam rooms have almost doubled since 2018, and there were 2,180 penalties for this in 2023 compared with 1,825 in 2022.

The exams regulator also issued a reminder today about other rules on malpractice, such as not searching for exam papers on social media.

Ofqual chief regulator Sir Ian Bauckham said: “Students have been working hard to prepare for their exams, and nobody wants them to miss out on their grades and qualifications.

“Thankfully, most students are aware of the risks of malpractice and comply with the rules. It’s important that the rules are followed so that grades reflect what a student knows, understands and can do.

“Students should also be aware of the risks of exam papers on social media. Accounts claiming to sell this year’s exam papers are almost always scams. Students should report these accounts to teachers.”

Rise in GCSE and A-level exam cheating

Ofqual data, released in December last year, showed there were 4,895 cases of malpractice involving students during GCSE, AS- and A-level examinations in 2023, up from 4,105 in 2022.

Sir Ian added: “Students risk losing the qualification they’ve been studying for if they search for or communicate with social media accounts claiming to sell leaked exam papers.

“Sanctions can still apply even if the papers turn out to be fake. Buying papers is never worth the risk. 

“Students should focus on their revision and do their best in their exams. I want to wish them all the best.”

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Ofqual has said previously that it will be requesting information from all awarding organisations about how they are managing malpractice risks from AI.

Eventually Ofqual plans to record when AI-related cheating occurs.

Tech misuse ‘a real headache’ for schools

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: “We are sure that the vast majority of students taking exams will stick to the rules, but there are always some who do not do so, and unfortunately the misuse of digital technology is a real headache.

“Schools and colleges rigorously police exam rooms to ensure that devices are not brought in by candidates, and they warn students not to try to find exam papers on social media.

“These are generally fake papers being circulated as a scam, but in the rare event of a genuine paper being leaked, any student accessing that paper risks disqualification.

“It is really important that students take heed of these warnings.”

A spokesperson for the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), which represents the UK’s major exam boards, said: “It is important students know to report fraudulent accounts claiming to sell exam papers on social media to their teachers.

“JCQ wishes all students well with their exams and assessments.”