Cambridge fined £875k by Ofqual for two-year automated test failures

Cambridge Assessment has been fined £875,000 by qualifications regulator Ofqual following serious failures in automated testing systems that persisted for two years. The errors affected candidates relying on test results for visa applications and further education course admissions, causing widespread disruption to application processes and raising questions about digital infrastructure reliability. The penalty represents one of the more significant regulatory interventions by Ofqual in recent months, underscoring the critical importance of robust quality assurance in educational technology. For local authority children's services and education teams, the case highlights the risks associated with automated assessment systems that process thousands of student certifications annually. The incident serves as a reminder to education leaders about the need for rigorous oversight of contracted testing services, particularly where outcomes affect young people's access to courses, employment pathways, and immigration status.