Exams Watchdog Warns of High-Tech Cheating Threat in Schools
The head of Ofqual, Sir Ian Bauckham, has raised concerns about the increasing threat of cheating in exams due to the proliferation of smart devices. With over 1.3 million students sitting exams across England, the regulator has identified smart devices such as smartphones, smart watches, and potentially smart glasses as significant risks. According to Ofqual, these devices were responsible for 44.3% of all malpractice cases during the 2025 summer exam period, marking the eighth consecutive year of tech-enabled cheating being the most common form. Bauckham emphasized the need for rapid adaptation to technological advancements to prevent students from using these devices to gain unfair advantages in exams. Recent government measures, such as banning mobile phones on school premises, have been praised as steps that will aid invigilators in enforcing rules and reducing cheating. 
