Democratic loops

The Opposition are calling for a full independent inquiry into the row over the marking of this years GCSE English exams.

The inquiry will be into the actions of OFQUAL, who forced a late change in the grade boundaries.

But hang on a minute – isn’t OFQUAL itself supposed to be independent?

In the ‘About Us’ section of their website they say ‘We’re not directly controlled by the government but report to parliament’. Hmm – not sure what that means.

But in a press release announcing the appointment of a new Chair they describe themselves as ‘the independent regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments’ – & that the appointment of Chair is subject to Privy Council approval

The House of Commons Select Committee on Education has already begun hearings on the matter.

If we are not careful we could be getting ourselves into an infinite loop here

Links
Ofqual announces new Chair
Ofqual board
BBC: Stephen Twigg on GCSEs: 'We need a full inquiry'
Privy Council Office
House of Commons:Education Committee explores grading of this year's GCSE English exams
Fortran: DO-loop
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