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The new regulator will act as the independent guardian of standards and quality across the exams system. It will ensure that children, young people and adult learners get the results their work deserves and that their qualifications count now and in the future.

Ofqual will set out clear requirements of what is expected of the awarding bodies and organisations that provide qualifications and assessments. Working in partnership with the awarding bodies, it will encourage innovation while making sure that standards are maintained.

As an authoritative and independent organisation, the regulator will speak honestly and openly about important topics, such as standards of exams and qualifications.

Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual said:

"Today marks a new era in the regulation of qualifications, examinations and tests in England. Ofqual, as a fully independent regulator, will encourage a more open and transparent debate about qualifications, which can only strengthen public confidence in our system.

"Ofqual will rigorously regulate our qualifications and examinations system as it continues to develop to meet the needs of learners and employers. Qualifications can open doors of opportunity to learners and Ofqual is committed to ensuring that that the quality and standard of these qualifications is maintained.

"The qualifications, exams and assessments that we regulate are of a high quality and Ofqual will assure the public that this high quality is maintained. In doing so we will build on the work undertaken by QCA over the last eleven years."

Notes to Editors

1. Ofqual is an operationally independent part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). On 2 April 2008 Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families, announced that the government intended to legislate to make Ofqual a separate statutory authority reporting directly to Parliament.

2. Ed Balls has also announced the appointment of Kathleen Tattersall as chair of Ofqual. Prior to legislation being passed to establish Ofqual on a statutory basis, Kathleen Tattersall is a QCA Board member and Chair of its independent Ofqual committee.

3. To find out more about Ofqual, visit the website at www.ofqual.gov.uk.

4. For further information please contact the Ofqual press office newsdesk on 0300 303 3342 or the out of hours duty press officer on 07798 924 552. Members of the public should contact the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3346. Alternative ways to contact Ofqual can be found in Ofqual's Contact us section.