Rm Regulatory News (RM.)

5 Jan 2010 07:00



5 January 2010

RM chosen to provide on-screen marking services for government agency

RM has been chosen by the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) as preferred bidder for a four-year framework agreement to provide outsourced on-screen marking services.

Under the terms of the agreement, RM will become the primary supplier of on-screen marking services to QCDA. QCDA will contract RM to provide services for test marking on a cycle-by-cycle basis over the four-year term of the agreement. RM anticipates that the agreement will be worth up to £1m to the Group during FY-2010. Terry Sweeney, Chief Executive of RM, said:

"We have been providing on-screen marking services to the QCDA on a pilot basis for some time, so it's great news that they have now decided to appoint us as their chosen supplier. The QCDA's decision to work with us is another strong endorsement for our innovative scoris® e-marking system, which offers qualification and assessment providers the opportunity to enhance quality and reduce risk in the marking process."

Rebekah Edgar, Head of Operational Marking of QCDA, said:

"Embracing technology will help us improve the quality of our test delivery processes. This is particularly true with respect to marking and we are delighted to be working with RM for the delivery of on-screen marking, building on successful pilots within single level testing.

"This also demonstrates our responsiveness to Parliament, as the DCSF Select Committee is encouraging us to move towards on-screen marking for all national testing."

For further information, please contact: 

Notes:

The RM Group is a leading provider of educational solutions that help teachers to teach and learners to learn. RM works closely with educationalists to create new products, processes and technology that improve education. RM is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol RM.L, ISIN GB0002870417. Further details are available at ww.rm.com/investors and through the Group's investor blog at rminvestors.wordpress.com

RM Assessment and Data Services will develop and deliver a comprehensive managed service based on RM's innovative scoris® e-marking system. The service will include scanning of test scripts, hosting & distribution of electronic script images, a computer-based marking application, support for markers, electronic return of marks, and script archiving.

QCDA (Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency) is the government agency responsible for the development of curriculum, delivery of assessments and reform of qualifications. It works with the education, skills and business communities to develop effective and innovative ways to help children and adults to progress, achieve their full potential and to demonstrate that achievement to others. QCDA was previously known as QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) - QCA is currently operating certain of its non-regulatory functions under the name QCDA. The legal entity remains QCA, established under the Education Act 1997, and will do so until legislation is passed to amend this to QCDA (anticipated in early 2010).