Plan to set up online exam archive
Updated on 03 August 2009
A Tory Government will set up an online library of past exam papers to allow the public to decide if standards are being maintained, Michael Gove has said.
The shadow schools secretary said the library is part of a plan to "restore public confidence in the exams system".
Anyone will be able to upload past papers to the free site, such as old GCSE and A-level exams.
The Tories said this will help to build up a picture of the "evolution" of British education and exams as far back as the Victorian period.
Mr Gove said: "It is vital that we restore public confidence in our exam system. Universities, businesses and academics say the system has been devalued and private schools are opting out of GCSEs for international exams.
"Now the Government treats exam papers like state secrets and refuses to publish them. This is wrong and a Conservative Government will create a free online library of all exam papers so there is full transparency and academic scrutiny of our exam system."
The Tories have said they will allow state school pupils to take international GCSEs (IGCSE) or the new Cambridge Pre-U exam.
IGCSEs are increasingly favoured by private schools, particularly in subjects such as maths, with some claiming they are tougher than traditional GCSEs.
Children's minister Dawn Primarolo said: "Parents want to know that standards are being maintained over time, which is why Ed Balls decided to establish Ofqual, the new independent regulator of exam standards.
"Gimmicks like this from the Tories are all well and good, but what really counts is backing Ofqual to do their job."
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