4.33 In assessing accuracy of language and use of spelling and punctuation, it is clear that the unrestricted use of scribes (or their technological equivalent) can impact on a candidate’s ability to demonstrate their skills. Where a skill, such as the ability to spell, is not demonstrated by a candidate, to award marks for that skill would not secure that the qualification in question provided a reliable indication of the knowledge and skills of the candidate.

4.34 There is an inconsistency in the approach to written components of English in different qualifications (GCSEs and Functional Skills) which may be justified by differing assessment objectives in current subject specifications. Any future subject specification reviews should aim to address concerns regarding inconsistency.

4.35 In order to minimise disadvantage faced by disabled candidates and maintain the reliability of qualifications to indicate the knowledge, skills and understanding of all candidates, we propose to make a specification under section 96 to the effect that scribes and voice activated software should not be used in a way that undermines assessment objectives.

4.36 Such a specification would not restrict how scribes or voice recognition technology are used in relation to components or qualifications that do not assess a candidate’s ability to write. The assessment objectives for such components or qualifications would be unaffected.