In the ePolitix forum teachers and examiners respond to the Tomlinson report.

Forum Response Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gwen Evans, deputy general secretary for ATL, said: "Mike Tomlinson's report is extra ordinarily helpful, particularly in its emphasis on the need for consolidation and for proper piloting of further changes. It is a pity that it took the summer fiasco to remind politicians of the dangers inherent in disregarding advice from well-qualified bodies such as QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority).

"The report offers a well-judged series of solutions to the problems that emerged. It deserves widespread support."

ATL has also spoken on the recent comments made by QCA's chief executive, Ken Boston about the problems of the marking process, highlighted during this summer's A Level fiasco. Gwen Evans said:"Ken Boston's description of exam marking as a 'cottage industry' is something of an understatement; it's a 'cottage industry' on the point of collapse. In principle, ATL would support his commitment to teacher assessment for educational reasons. In practice ATL has to remain totally opposed to anything, which adds to the already excessive burdens which teachers face."

Forum Response: Joint Council for General Qualifications

A spokesman for the JCGQ, said: "The JCGQ welcomes Mike Tomlinson's second report on A Level examinations, in particular its proposals for clarification of standards and for enhancing the status of examining within the teaching profession.

"The JCGQ warmly welcomes the report's recognition of the value of a choice of Awarding Bodies for schools and colleges. The report recognises the need to provide an even greater measure of common administrative support for schools and colleges than is currently in place.

"Over recent years, the JCGQ has effected a substantial number of changes designed to assist schools and colleges by providing straightforward and common administrative arrangements covering a wide range of activities.

"These include areas such as special consideration, the conduct of the examination and enquiries about results.

"In the light of the recommendations in Mike Tomlinson's second report, the JCGQ will give active consideration to ways in which it might develop, enhance and extend the current provision of common arrangements.

"The report provides the JCGQ with an opportunity to continue to develop its work in the interests of schools and colleges. The JCGQ welcomes this opportunity."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary for NUT, said: "While many of Tomlinson's findings are eminently sensible, there remains a very big question mark about the purpose and operation of the assessment regime in this country. Tomlinson paints a picture of a system which is overstretched as a direct result of the government's view that if it moves, assess it.

"If real and lasting benefits are to be drawn from the Tomlinson report, there needs to be a fundamental reduction in the number of exams and tests faced by pupils. The remaining essential exams and tests must be fully resourced and supported by appropriate training, advice and guidance. This must be coupled with proper recognition and reward for those who act as markers.

"Tomlinson is right to recognise the crucial contribution of teachers as markers to the examination system. They must have appropriate training and time during the school term to fulfil this function.

"Never again must any government panic in response to those whose covert agenda is to subvert confidence in a common examination system and re-establish a privileged position for their own pupils."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary for PAT, said: "We welcome Mr Tomlinson's inquiry and his recommendations to improve the marking and grading of A Levels. When students and teachers invest so much time and effort in A Levels, it is crucial that the marking system works and candidates receive accurate grades that reflect their true abilities. Nothing can be more soul-destroying for students who have worked hard than the suggestion that their grades may not be accurate.

"There would be considerable advantages in a system that allowed students to apply to university once they knew their A Level grades, rather than before."The debate on the future of A Levels must be considered and measured and all the options pursued. PAT will participate fully in consultations on the future of post-16 education.

"PAT has always advocated the need for a broader, more flexible curriculum that can develop the skills and meet the needs of all pupils - which was, of course, the purpose of AS Levels - however, we would also like to see fewer exams, as students are currently over-tested.

"Schools, students and parents do not need knee-jerk reactions, and the education secretary must resist pressures for quick-fix measures to scrap the current system in favour of something else. There is already an alternative system - the International Baccalaureate - that schools can use if they so wish, and PAT will follow with interest the pilot study in Wales which is looking at a baccalaureate approach."

Forum Response: AQA

A spokesman for the AQA, member of the JCGQ, said: "The AQA welcomes the second Tomlinson Report and supports fully its recommendations.

"The Report is fair and balanced and AQA believes that it will go a long way to restoring public confidence in the new A-level system. AQA is committed to working with its partners in the JCGQ, the regulatory authorities and the DfES to implement the recommendations especially those relating to the consolidation of standards, the professional development of examiners and Examinations Officers and improvements in administration.

"AQA is particularly pleased that the Report's confirmation of the standards of the new AS and A2 accord with the interpretation which AQA applied to its examinations in 2002. The Report's recognition of the complexities of evaluating candidates' scripts and the respective roles and responsibilities of the personnel involved in the awarding process is also helpful.

"The principles of accountability and transparency advocated by the Report underpin all AQA's procedures, including those which lead to the award of grades. AQA will take all necessary steps to ensure that its procedures are better explained and communicated to the students and centres whose interests AQA serves."

Forum Response: Universities UK

Diana Warwick, Chief Executive of Universities UK said: "We have noted the Tomlinson Report and welcome its work to restore public confidence in the A level system and to help ensure that this year's problems can be avoidedin future."Its recommendations on establishing a system of post qualification applications (PQA) to higher education will be the subject of further work by Universities UK, in association with other stakeholders, including schools and colleges.

"In our submission to the Tomlinson Inquiry (jointly with SCOP and UCAS), Universities UK welcomed the potential advantages in principle of a post-qualifications admissions system - provided there is enough time built in for A-level examination results and to deal with any appeals that may arise. We note Tomlinson's observation that such a system might include moving the first year of undergraduate study back to end of October.

"This, and other options including the LGA's proposals for a six-term school year, will be looked into as part of the ongoing work of the Universities UK PQA Working Group."