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pointing to the independence and the different characteristics of awarding bodies
disappearing” fdf∆2 2003).
Eliminating the administrative distinctions between the Boards may be dismissed as a
symbolic gesture. Tomlinson’s Final Report went no further. In carrying out his
recommendations and working to fulfil their obligations in providing an effective
qualifications service the Boards were hard pressed financially, as was demonstrated
above. Loss of financial independence is certainly not symbolic, but signifies an
incontrovertible diminution of autonomy. To an individual who had spent a career
working at all levels in examining boards, the current situation is clear:
Increasingly, money is being offered from the centre - for example in terms of
the recruitment of examiners and improving the pay of examiners. But that
money comes with strings, as money always will come with strings from
government. There again the supposed independence - and I do say ‘supposed’
because I think it has become more of a mirage as times have gone on - the
supposed independence of the boards [is] being eroded by their increasing
reliance on finances Comingfrom the centre.
(AQA2 2003)
The above statement confirms my contention that at the end of 2002, the English
examining boards could no longer be described as independent. A concluding chapter
will summarise the basis for this position and suggest possible future directions for
the Boards.