CCTV proposed to police exams

Schools could use CCTV cameras in exam rooms in an effort to cut down on pupils cheating and prevent false complaints against invigilators.

The proposals are being considered by the Examination Officers' Association (EOA), which is asking for volunteers to undertake trials after it carried out a pilot scheme.

Andrew Harland, chief executive of the EOA, said that the measures would help to protect teachers and invigilators by providing evidence if a false complaint was made against them, as well as providing a way to identify cheats.

He noted that "CCTV is extensively used in schools and colleges but not in exam rooms".

The measures were met with approval by John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, who agreed that there is a need for greater checks in the exam room.

"If a pupil knows CCTV cameras are around, it's like slowing down for a speed camera on a main road - it acts as a deterrent," he said.

The EOA believes the cameras will help cut down on cheating using technology such as palmtop organisers and MP3 players.

In 2006, research carried out for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority highlighted the need for teachers to ban mobile phones and other electronic devices from exam rooms.