Keyboards, Confidence and Fairness: Getting Ready for On-Screen GCSEs
.jpg)
New research reported by The Guardian suggests students perform better in exams when they type. The tests carried out by University College London, under mock-exam conditions, identified that pupils without literacy difficulties scored 17% higher on average when using a keyboard than when handwriting. The research also highlighted that pupils with identified difficulties improved by 14%, and both groups wrote substantially more. While the findings aren’t yet peer-reviewed, they signal a clear shift as awarding bodies move toward onscreen assessment.
Pearson Edexcel exam board has already piloted onscreen English GCSEs and aims to make digital options widely available (with timelines subject to Ofqual), whilst AQA has been running research, pilots and trials to ensure digital exams are “safe, secure and fair.”
At the same time, The Guardian warns that access must be equitable with research highlighting that not every pupil currently has a suitable laptop for mocks or high-stakes exams.
What this means for schools and how ASUS can help
Our work with schools, and our Beyond the Frozen Screen study of 913 teachers, shows that outdated devices already cost teaching time and confidence. Teachers report losing 37 minutes per week to tech issues (over 23 hours per year), with 55% saying current IT limits learning, and 46% linking poor IT to staff retention. If exams are moving digitally, reliability and typing comfort aren’t “nice to haves”, they could translate to better exam outcomes.
1) Build typing fluency on the same kit students will use in exams
Dr Emma Sumner notes that speed and easy revision are big factors in typed performance. When every pupil is provided with regular practice on full-size, comfortable keyboards in lessons and mocks, exam day feels familiar. ASUS BR-series student devices are designed for exactly this. They provide full-size keyboards, toughened keys, and ruggedised chassis that thrive in everyday classrooms.
2) Standardise devices for mocks to protect equity
The research raises a real risk. If only some pupils get laptops, or if devices vary wildly, schools in certain locations could have an advantage. Standardising on a reliable, centrally managed suite of devices for practice and mocks helps level the field and reduces day-of-exam surprises.
3) Make security and compliance effortless on exam day
Windows devices that are Windows 11 ready provide “Take a Test”, a secure, locked-down environment designed for assessments. Paired with kiosk mode and your chosen delivery platform, IT teams can restrict access to only the exam content and nothing else. ASUS education devices run Windows 11 smoothly and can be configured centrally so rooms can be “exam-ready” in minutes.
4) Don’t ignore the Windows 10 deadline
On 14 October 2025, Windows 10 leaves free support and security updates. For schools, that’s a risk to exam continuity and data security. If you’re planning digital assessments through 2026 and beyond, your school will need to prioritise a move to Windows 11 as soon as possible.
A practical rollout plan
Audit cohorts & kit
Identify your first onscreen subjects and match device numbers, battery health and keyboard condition to room capacity.Standardise the exam build
Decide on your school’s exam setup (For example Microsoft’s Take a Test). Deploy centrally and use ASUS AI Recovery for fast resets.Type the mocks
Run at least one typed mock per subject, mirroring laptops, seating plans and lock-down settings.Build in equity
Set a clear allocation policy, keep spare exam-ready laptops on hand, and track Ofqual updates.Refresh the bottlenecks
Prioritise the slowest, least reliable devices to cut lost time and stabilise exam rooms..png)
Why use ASUS for the transition?
Our devices are designed for schools: ruggedised builds, modular parts for quick fixes, and full-size, comfortable keyboards that make daily typing and timed exams feel natural.
We’ll get you ready for Windows 11 exams: fast start-up, long battery, and easy fleet management for secure exam modes.
We have a proven impact focus: we benchmark against teacher time, student engagement and retention because outcomes matter more than specs.
Digital exams are coming. And the evidence now states that keyboards can unlock better performance. With the right devices and a thoughtful rollout, schools can improve outcomes and protect equity long before every paper goes onscreen.
Next steps
Explore ASUS BR-series and ExpertBook for education(student and staff-ready devices).
Read the full Beyond the Frozen Screen report for the data behind classroom friction.
Talk to our education team about setting up secure, standardised exam fleets: education_uk@asus.com.