Modular versus linear GCSEs: does the structure of exams matter?

Academics and researchers from both organisations collaborated on the project, titled 'Examination Reform: The Impact of Linear and Modular Examinations at GCSE'. The research considers whether change in the structure of GCSE exams has affected standards, fairness, teaching and learning practices, cost, and students themselves. The project included a systematic review of existing literature on the advantages and disadvantages of modular and linear structures; extensive analysis of GCSE outcomes between 2007 and 2014, focusing on English, maths and science; and research into teachers’ views.

The research is part of Ofqual’s ongoing work to ensure that exam reforms are operating well for the young people who take them. In summary, the researchers conclude from the range of evidence gathered that in the current educational context, linear exams – taken at the end of a course – are more suitable at GCSE than modular exams. In particular:

• Overall, the literature review points to claims that linear exams favour longer-term retention of information and deep learning, whereas modular exams allow regular feedback on performance which can be motivating for some students. However, reflecting a number of caveats, the quantitative evidence suggests that modular and linear GCSEs lead to similar outcomes overall.
• The research did not support claims that modular or linear exams tend to favour male or female students, or affect the outcomes of low and high socio-economic status students differently.
• During interviews conducted between April and November 2015, and again in May 2017 following the introduction of the first reformed GCSEs, many teachers reflected positively that student performance could be assessed with greater fairness and validity through linear GCSEs.
• Teachers had mixed views on the subject of stress. Some expressed concerns about the potential impact of linearity on the wellbeing of those students who require additional support, while others noted that the elimination of the continual testing associated with modular GCSEs may reduce stress for some students.

Teachers and education leaders discussed the findings at an event in London this week that aims to further our understanding of the effect of assessment structure and policy on students in England.

Dr Michelle Meadows, Executive Director for Strategy, Research and Risk at Ofqual, said: 'Teachers were concerned about the change to linear GCSEs when we spoke to them before the recent reforms. How they adapted during the period of this research has been impressive. We have been able to look at the effects of the changes on teachers’ practices, and many can see benefits to the introduction of linear examinations. They also report that they would now like a period of stability.'

Professor Jo-Anne Baird, Professor of Educational Assessment in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, said: 'Our findings have been really surprising in a number of ways. We might have expected to see that modular examinations were easier, or at least easier for some of the groups we investigated, but we found no such differences. The comparable outcomes approach to setting standards has played a key role in this.'