AQA tells MPs AI is nearly ready to check exam markers
AQA's chief executive said AI will watch human markers, not replace them. Ofqual's chief regulator told the same MPs that extended writing coursework should be avoided where possible.
Colin Hughes, chief executive of exam board AQA, told MPs on 8 September 2026 that AI is almost ready to check human markers.
He spoke to the House of Commons education committee's inquiry into AI and education technology. The transcript records him saying that AQA is not talking about using AI to mark high-stakes exams. AQA has piloted a system for two years. It watches markers as they work and alerts a senior examiner to problems such as inconsistent marking.
we should look at tens of thousands, not 2,000 or 3,000, and we should look at four or five subjects, not just two
Hughes said AQA had 96 malpractice cases involving AI this year, which was 2.4% of its malpractice cases. Ofqual proposed in December 2025 that each exam board could offer up to two on-screen courses, but not in subjects with over 100,000 entries. Hughes asked for a wider start. Andrew Freeman of Pearson also asked Ofqual to go faster.
Sir Ian Bauckham, Ofqual's chief regulator, told the committee that the low number of detected AI cases must be treated with heavy caution. He said teachers tell him they know pupils use AI but cannot prove it.
His approach to extended writing coursework is to "avoid, adapt and deter". He said Ofqual has set up a new team on qualifications integrity. He also said AI will not be allowed to mark complex work unaided at any time soon.
For pupils and teachers, the hearing changed no rule. Bauckham said Ofqual is giving the Department for Education evidence on the risks of some extended writing coursework as it reforms qualifications. That could affect future courses, but no decision was announced.
FE Week reported on 10 September that a decision on on-screen GCSEs and A levels was expected later this year. Ofqual's consultation page still says it is analysing responses. The committee is still taking evidence and has not yet published a report.
Sources
- House of Commons Education Committee Oral evidence: The use of Artificial Intelligence and EdTech in Education, 8 September 2026
- Ofqual (GOV.UK) Ofqual launches consultation to protect standards in on-screen exams
- Ofqual (GOV.UK) Regulating on-screen assessment
- FE Week Ofqual extends on-screen testing to accountancy V Level