The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has been told to "raise its game" by education secretary Estelle Morris.

Her comments came as an independent report criticised the agency for failing to respond to the needs of employers.

Newly-appointed schools minister David Miliband has been given responsibility for overseeing improvements

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gerald Imison, deputy general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, told ePolitix.com: "ATL welcomes anything that reduces the stress of examinations and assessment felt by pupils. The more effectively the QCA works, the more efficient the examination system will be.

"We have noticed increased problems and errors in the exam system and QCA has to take note of the criticisms in order to ensure that the system works. This is particularly crucial at a time of great difficulty for teachers who are suffering from overwork. The last thing needed is an inefficient examination system that increases the problems experienced by teachers and impacts adversely on pupils."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of the Professional Association of Teachers, told ePolitix.com: "We welcome the reported recommendations. Exams are already stressful - not only for the pupils, but also for their parents and teachers, and all involved expect students to have the chance to perform to the best of their abilities. It is therefore appalling that there have been so many failures of the system recently when we should expect the highest standards.

"There are allegations that standards are being eroded in order to meet targets imposed by the government. Nothing can be more soul-destroying for a pupil who has worked hard than to be told that their qualifications are no longer as prestigious as they once were.

"When a leader article in The Times (14 June 2002) calls for nationalization of exam boards, the situation must be serious!

"Appropriate action must be taken - including the removal of exam boards' licences if necessary. Confidence in QCA and the exam boards is essential and must be restored and maintained."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the NUT, told ePolitix.com: "The government has contributed to the confusion and chaos at the QCA by its erratic approach to the content of the National Curriculum and examinations.

"But the QCA is culpable in not having listened to schools about their concerns over Foundation Stage Profile, National Curriculum testing and the lack of quality control of the examination boards.

"Nor has the QCA taken seriously its role in reducing the bureaucracy imposed on teachers and identified in a recent Cabinet Office report. It has allowed the examination boards to create a nightmare of red tape surrounding every exam and every candidate.

"The QCA's new powers over examining boards currently before Parliament, must be used by the authority effectively. It must also give government independent and robust advice and make sure that teachers' views are not ignored."