Cambridge International Education has voided some A-level exam papers after they were leaked online, affecting students internationally and in some UK independent schools. The exam board confirmed that physics papers sat last week and certain math papers from earlier this month were compromised. It is primarily international students who are affected, though some students in UK independent schools also took the papers, which are distinct from those administered in UK state schools.
In response to the leaks, Cambridge International stated it has implemented alternative measures for impacted students. Some will receive "assessed marks" based on their performance in other components of the syllabus, while others may have to retake exams. For a second AS level math paper, a replacement exam will be administered in early June. Additionally, one component of a computer science exam was also found to have been circulated internationally.
The exam board indicated that upcoming physics papers have been replaced as a precautionary measure. Despite these disruptions, Cambridge International assured that students' results dates will remain unchanged, aligning with university offer deadlines. The board is prioritizing fairness for the majority of students who did not cheat.
Cambridge International has also cautioned students against fake exam paper leaks circulating on social media, which are designed to exploit student anxiety. The exam board, which serves over 5,000 schools in 138 countries, described breaches of exam integrity as rare but acknowledged it as a threat faced by examination boards globally. The "theft" of the leaked papers is currently under active investigation.