545 students lost qualifications over phones in exams last summer – even switched-off devices count

The UK’s exams regulator, Ofqual, has highlighted a sharp rise in phone-related cheating during GCSE and A-level exams, with 2,225 students caught last summer—the highest number since tracking began in 2018. Of these, 545 were disqualified from some or all of their qualifications, while 1,240 lost marks. Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, emphasized that having a phone—even if switched off—in an exam hall is a breach of rules, leading to serious consequences. The consequences extend beyond grades, as disqualifications can impact university applications, apprenticeships, and job opportunities. Ofqual’s guidelines remain strict: students must either leave phones at home or hand them to an invigilator before entering the exam hall. Devices like smartwatches, tablets, and connected earbuds also fall under the ban if they can store or transmit information. Last summer’s figures mark a 4% increase from the previous year, with phone-related cheating consistently the most common form of malpractice. The regulator warned students not to risk their future prospects over an avoidable mistake. With exams running through June, Ofqual urged parents and students to reinforce the rules before test days. The penalties for violations are severe, ranging from mark deductions to full disqualification in affected subjects. Even a single incident can derail years of academic effort, making strict adherence to the rules critical. Ofqual’s advice is clear: no devices should enter the exam hall, regardless of their state or function.