Exams system ‘almost corrupt’

Mr Waters has accused the exam boards of being conniving by “dumbing-down” school exams, and then trying to sell their qualifications to head teachers by implying that they are easier than those of other boards.

A spokesman for the exam board, Edexcel, has said that they have never said their exams are easier:

"We are confident that all our qualifications are rigorous, fair to learners and represent the highest possible standards. The support we provide in various ways all benefit the learner, to help improve their learning.”

Ofqual Chief Executive, Isabel Nisbet, has said: “as a strong, independent regulator we are fully prepared to ask difficult questions about the examinations we regulate.

"Where we find shortcomings we report publicly on them without fear or favour.

“Ofqual will investigate any allegations of conflicts of interest or “insider dealing” about regulated qualifications.

“I challenge anyone who had concerns or criticisms of the system to bring us the evidence so that we can investigate and take action.”