Following our recent blog on emerging technology and malpractice, Ofqual’s latest data on malpractice in vocational and technical qualifications provides a useful wider reminder that many assessment risks still come down to clear procedures, consistent delivery and strong centre controls. While FutureQuals qualifications are not performance table qualifications (PTQs), the report still highlights issues that are helpful for Approved Centres to keep in mind.
One of the clearest messages is that malpractice is not only about deliberate wrongdoing. Ofqual’s data shows that maladministration continues to be a significant issue in both staff and centre-related cases. In Functional Skills, maladministration accounted for 72.5% of staff malpractice cases and 70.5% of centre malpractice cases in 2024 to 2025.
The report also shows that student malpractice continues to arise from familiar issues. In Functional Skills, the most common student malpractice types were breach of examination rules and regulations (35.6%) and failing to abide by the conditions of supervision (34.6%). It also highlights the growing relevance of plagiarism involving the misuse of AI within plagiarism cases.
For Approved Centres, the practical takeaway is clear: alongside staying alert to new technology risks, strong day-to-day assessment practice remains essential. Centres may therefore wish to review:
- candidate briefings, to make sure learners are clear on assessment rules, permitted materials and the consequences of non-compliance
- supervision arrangements, to ensure invigilation and oversight are consistent, particularly for externally assessed or on-demand assessments
- authenticity checks, including how learner work is reviewed for plagiarism and whether staff are confident in identifying possible AI misuse
- administrative controls, as maladministration remains a common issue and can arise from weaknesses in assessment set-up, record keeping, access arrangements or escalation procedures
- staff refresher training, as the report shows that most cases involve a single learner or a single staff member rather than large organised incidents
For us, the message is not one of alarm, but of vigilance. Technology continues to evolve, as noted in our earlier blog, but the fundamentals still matter: clear communication, secure processes, confident staff and a proactive approach to compliance. This remains central to our mission to provide Learners, Centres and Organisations with respected, valued, inclusive and quality assured qualifications and assessments.