Department for Education pilots digital exam records to cut red tape

The Department for Education has launched a pilot to digitise exam certificates, as part of the government's wider mission to modernise public services and reduce administrative burden in the public sector.

Unveiled by Education Minister Stephen Morgan, the new Education Record app will be trialled this summer by over 95,000 students across Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Students receiving their GCSE results will, for the first time, be able to access their grades through the app, which also stores other key documents in a single, verifiable digital record.

The government estimates the initiative could save schools and colleges up to £30 million a year once rolled out nationally - equivalent to funding more than 600 new further education teaching roles. These savings are expected to be reinvested in skills development to support economic growth.

“This pilot will allow schools and colleges to focus on what they do best: teaching the next generation rather than being bogged down in bureaucracy,” said Minister Morgan. “It’s high time exam records were brought into the 21st century.”

The app aims to eliminate the need for paper-based documentation when young people progress to further education, apprenticeships or employment. The Department for Education hopes the technology will streamline administrative processes and increase opportunities for young people by making it easier to present qualifications quickly and securely.

The initiative builds on a successful trial at Hathershaw College in Oldham, which began in spring 2024. Principal Mark Giles praised the system's accuracy and speed, noting positive feedback from students and staff. He also highlighted the potential for the app to support transitions between primary and secondary education in the future.

The pilot forms part of the government's broader digital transformation agenda, spearheaded by the Technology Secretary. This includes a drive to deliver £45 billion in annual productivity savings across public services through smarter use of technology.