Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, in relation to this year's delays to Pearson exam results, what steps are being taken to ensure that similar delays do not occur in future years.

Schools rightly expect results to be delivered on time, and Pearson Education Limited has fully apologised for failing to return these results on time and for the impact on schools, pupils, parents and carers. Pearson confirmed that their GCSEs, A levels, and vocational qualifications operate through separate systems and processes and are not affected.

We will use all the provisions in the contract to ensure that Pearson is held to account for their failures in delivery and will explore all possible options for future delivery. The government has confirmed that there will be a full independent review into how such serious failings have occurred. Further details and terms of reference will be set out shortly.