A-levels and GCSEs Face Changes as Generative AI Enters Education
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to reshape how exams are approached, prompting experts to call for updates to A-levels and GCSEs. As the 2025 exam season ended with students completing mostly traditional pen-and-paper tests, the influence of AI on education is becoming clear.
Students are increasingly using AI-powered personal tutors that provide help anytime. These tools generate learning materials adapted to individual needs, which can improve results.
“AI allows students to ask questions they might not feel comfortable asking in class or at odd hours, without judgment,” explains Dr Andrew Rogoyski from the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI. This summer, the use of AI in exam preparation surged, with students able to upload marking criteria and get feedback on their answers, effectively creating a tireless tutor.
New Exam Formats and Security Concerns
With AI becoming a core digital skill, some experts argue that new types of exams are needed to assess how well students use these tools. Dr Thomas Lancaster, a computer scientist at Imperial College London, sees AI as a skill that must be tested directly.
However, AI also introduces new risks for exam integrity. Lancaster warns of smarter cheating methods, including concealed communication devices and AI-enabled smart glasses, suggesting that invigilators will need extra training and exams will require tighter security checks.
Challenges for Coursework and Extended Writing
Sir Ian Bauckham, chief regulator of Ofqual, points out that AI complicates assessment methods relying on extended writing, such as the extended project qualification (EPQ). This research project carries significant weight with universities, but AI's involvement raises doubts about how much of the work is truly the student's own.
“Switching fully from controlled exams to coursework where AI use is harder to monitor would be risky,” Bauckham says, urging caution before making major changes.
Rogoyski agrees, noting that traditional essays no longer guarantee a student's mastery if AI tools assist unsupervised work. He suggests exams may need to shift towards oral assessments or vivas, where students discuss their understanding directly.
There is also concern about students becoming dependent on AI, potentially weakening their ability to analyze, write, and critique independently.
Opportunities for AI in Exam Marking and Assessment
On the positive side, AI could improve exam marking speed and accuracy. Jill Duffy, chair of the Joint Council for Qualifications and CEO of OCR, highlights ongoing trials where AI converts handwritten answers into digital text, addressing delays caused by poor handwriting.
If successful, results could be delivered faster—possibly within a month—allowing students to receive university offers based on actual grades rather than predictions.
Duffy also notes that oral assessments are already gaining traction in higher education, suggesting schools might adopt similar formats soon.
Overall, experts agree that exams will remain, but their format will change to meet the demands of AI integration and preserve academic integrity.
Preparing Educators and Students
As AI tools become embedded in education, training for teachers and exam supervisors will be essential. Understanding how to identify unauthorized AI use and integrating AI skills into the curriculum are key steps.
For educators interested in AI training and resources, Complete AI Training offers courses tailored to education professionals looking to adapt to these changes.
- Expect more oral assessments and vivas to replace some written exams.
- Prepare for tighter exam security to counter AI-enabled cheating.
- AI-powered marking could speed up results and improve fairness.
- Curriculum and assessment methods will evolve to test AI literacy alongside subject knowledge.
As AI becomes a fundamental part of learning, exam systems must adapt to ensure students develop genuine skills and knowledge, not just the ability to use AI tools.
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