Ofqual chief says AI cheating in qualifications cannot be allowed
Sir Ian Bauckham also raised doubts about AI marking of long answers. He said Ofqual has not yet decided how it will regulate exams taken on screen.
Sir Ian Bauckham, chief regulator at Ofqual, said on 16 October 2026 that the misuse of AI in qualifications cannot be allowed.
Ofqual regulates exams and qualifications in England. Bauckham spoke at the Confederation of School Trusts annual conference in Birmingham. In the speech Ofqual published, he said extended writing coursework is open to cheating. He also said research shows that students who use AI as a shortcut achieve less than those who think for themselves.
This is simple. We cannot allow it.
Bauckham separated machine marking of questions with clear right answers from AI marking of essays and other long answers. He said AI marking "opens up real ‘routes to harm’" because AI makes things up and reflects biases. Tes reported that he warned against "undiscriminating use of AI" in schools.
On-screen exams already reach some computing pupils. Schools Week reported in May 2026 that pupils sat the second paper of Pearson Edexcel's computer science GCSE on screen. Bauckham said some exam boards want Ofqual to move faster. He added that Norway, Sweden and Denmark had paused or reversed moves to on-screen exams.
The speech set no new rule or deadline for pupils or teachers. Bauckham said Ofqual is looking at the digital divide and school readiness as it decides how to regulate on-screen assessment. He told the audience to "Expect to hear more in due course." Ofqual has not said when it will decide on on-screen exams or what limits it will set on AI marking.