Research and analysis

A level maths: maintenance of standards investigation

The outcome of our investigation into the differences in grade boundaries set in 2018 and 2019 for the reformed A level maths specifications.

• From: Ofqual
• Published: 13 December 2019

Documents

A level maths – Maintenance of Standards Investigation: Regulatory Summary

Ref: Ofqual/19/6567/2

PDF, 244 KB, 7 pages

A level maths: Maintenance of Standards Investigation: Technical Report

Ref: Ofqual/19/6567/1

PDF, 13.9 MB, 135 pages

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Details

In August 2019, we announced our intention to investigate the reasons for the systematic and relatively large differences in the grade boundaries set in 2018 and 2019 for the reformed A level maths specifications. Boundaries in 2019 were, in general, substantially lower than in 2018. Our work has revealed a number of interacting factors which led to the relatively large changes in grade boundaries between these 2 years. We have considered with the exam boards whether there is a case to re-visit the grade boundaries set in reformed A level maths specifications in 2018. On balance, we believe there is not.

Published 13 December 2019