Can I Just Qualify That? is Ofqual's podcast for teachers. Cutting through the noise on exams, qualifications and everything in between.
Hosts Jessica Lewis-Bell and Junaid Sheikh tackle the questions that matter to you. From AI in coursework and devices in the exam hall, to results day, qualification reform and how to explain marking and grading to your students and more.
Jess works closely with the people who run the qualifications system. Junaid brings the perspective of a former maths teacher who knows exactly what life in the classroom is like.
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What would you do if a cyber attack hits your school?
We explore the impact cyber incidents have on students, exams and coursework, and share practical steps schools and colleges can take to strengthen their cyber resilience.
Featuring Gráinne Hallahan from Teacher Tapp and Amanda Swan, Ofqual’s Executive Director of Delivery.
For more information on how to protect your school or college, visit the DfE Cyber Security Hub:
https://cyber-security-hub.education.gov.uk/?utm_source=RSSfeed&utm_medium=Audio&utm_campaign=CyberSecurity (https://cyber-security-hub.education.gov.uk/?utm_source=RSSfeed&utm_medium=Audio&utm_campaign=CyberSecurity)
Have a question you'd like us to discuss in a future episode? Email podcast@ofqual.gov.uk (mailto:podcast@ofqual.gov.uk).
10 Sept 2026
Back to school with Bobby Seagull
As schools return for a new academic year, we're joined by maths teacher and broadcaster Bobby Seagull to discuss what's on teachers' minds at the start of term.
In this episode, Bobby shares his thoughts on AI and coursework, mock exams, effective revision, results day, grading, and how teachers can support students through their qualifications.
They also explore the support available from Ofqual throughout the year, including our new Teacher Hub which includes resources to help you before, during and after exams:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/ofqual-teacher-hub?utm_source=social&utm_medium=RSSfeed&utm_campaign=TeacherHub (https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/ofqual-teacher-hub?utm_source=social&utm_medium=RSSfeed&utm_campaign=TeacherHub)
Have a question you'd like us to discuss in a future episode? Email: podcast@ofqual.gov.uk (mailto:podcast@ofqual.gov.uk)
21 Aug 2026
Inside GCSE and level 1 and 2 results day: the national picture
Join Michael Hanton, Ofqual's Deputy Chief Regulator, and Lisa Wright, Headteacher at Blue Coat Church of England School in Coventry, as they discuss the national picture of this year’s GCSE and Level 1 and 2 results.
Hear key points, insights and what these results mean for students and teachers.
Have a question you’d like us to cover in future episodes? Get in touch: podcast@ofqual.gov.uk (mailto:podcast@ofqual.gov.uk).
13 Aug 2026
What do A Level and level 3 results mean for students and teachers?
Hear from Michael Hanton, Ofqual's Deputy Chief Regulator, and Mike Donoghue OBE, CEO of the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust, as they reflect on this year’s results.
Together they explore the national picture, key trends and reflect on what today means for students and teachers.
Have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode? Get in touch: podcast@ofqual.gov.uk (mailto:podcast@ofqual.gov.uk).
5 Aug 2026
The Truth About GCSE & A Level Grading
How are GCSEs and A Level exams marked and graded?
With results days approaching, we explore the marking and grading process and tackle some common myths.
Whether you're looking to refresh your understanding or support year 11 and 13 students on results day, this episode breaks down what you need to know.
🔗 Useful resources:
✅ Understanding grading toolkit: helps teachers understand how GCSE and A Level grading works : https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/understanding-grading-toolkit-for-schools-and-colleges?utm_source=social&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=gradingpodcast (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/understanding-grading-toolkit-for-schools-and-colleges?utm_source=social&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=gradingpodcast)
✅ Classroom lesson plan and assembly resource: help your students understand how exams are marked and graded: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-grading-classroom-and-assembly-resources?utm_source=social&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=gradingpodcast (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-grading-classroom-and-assembly-resources?utm_source=social&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=gradingpodcast)
🎙️ Have a question for Ofqual? Whether it's about exams, qualifications, GCSEs, A Levels, grading, AI in coursework or cyber security in schools, we'd love to hear from you.
📧 Email your question to: podcast@ofqual.gov.uk (mailto:podcast@ofqual.gov.uk)
1 Jul 2026
V Levels explained: what teachers need to know
What are V Levels and what do they mean for teachers and students?
In this episode we explore what V Levels are, how they compare to A Levels and what they mean for students and teachers.
3 Jun 2026
AI in coursework, phones in exams and qualification reform
In our first episode, Jess and Junaid put some questions to Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator of Qualifications and former headteacher. How do you keep phones out of the exam hall? What is Ofqual doing about AI in coursework? And are revision sessions between papers useful? Sir Ian shares his answers and some practical advice for teachers.
21 May 2026
Welcome to 'Can I Just Qualify That'
Meet hosts Jessica Lewis-Bell, and Junaid Sheikh, co-hosts of 'Can I Just Qualify That?'
Jess spends her days listening to the people who deliver qualifications day in, day out. Junaid brings a teacher’s perspective to the podcast. He knows what it's like to be in a classroom
Episode one lands on Thursday 4 June. Subscribe so you don't miss it.
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