The exams regulator, Ofqual, has fined Cambridge English £875,000 against after the test maker issued erroneous results to tens of thousands of people undertaking English language proficiency tests.
The widespread inaccuracies, stemming from computer-automated marking errors within the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) qualification, affected 62,794 test takers, predominantly international students, between August 2023 and September 2025. This period saw over 7.7 million global tests administered.
Cambridge English, responsible for IELTS, only identified these critical errors in September last year, subsequently informing Ofqual.
All affected test results have since been rectified, with more than 20,600 revised scores resulting in a higher qualification for candidates.
Of the affected tests, 1,108 were related to UK visa applications. Crucially, IELTS confirmed that four specific cases saw visa eligibility directly impacted by the initial incorrect results.
In each of the four cases, test takers have since resat and met entrance requirements.
Amanda Swann, Ofqual’s executive director for delivery, said: “Tens of thousands of people took these tests with the expectation of accurate results which influence important decisions.
“Those who took these tests, as well as those who used them, were let down by systemic failures over a long period and our significant fine reflects this.
“We will always step in to protect the integrity of tests and maintain public confidence in regulated qualifications.”
Cambridge English accepted the breaches and entered into a settlement agreement.
It spent more than £6 million on correcting errors, compensating people and investing in measures to prevent a repeat.
A spokesperson for IELTS said: “We apologise to those affected, and we take responsibility for the error that resulted in some people receiving incorrect results.
“Once this issue was identified, we acted to rectify it, correcting results and supporting people. We offered refunds or resits to everyone affected.
“We addressed additional support requests, including for 19 individuals who contacted us regarding potentially missed opportunities. We worked directly with recognising organisations and relevant authorities to help mitigate any harm.
“We have conducted a thorough review of what happened and have implemented additional operational controls and safeguards to prevent a recurrence.”
