GENERAL NEWS NEWS... New anti-cheating exam tech launched Online examination
platform Synap has released Synoptic—an exam proctoring solution that’s designed for transparent security, fair monitoring and equitable exam access. The launch comes at a critical time, reinforcing recent calls from Ofqual Chief Regulator Ian Bauckham for exam boards to clamp down on cheating.
As AI tools become more sophisticated and online exam providers face growing scrutiny over the integrity of online assessments, organisations and institutions alike need better evidence, not heavier surveillance. Speaking at the 2026 Apprentice & Training Conference, Bauckham revealed that detection rates for AI in assessed work remain low despite widespread concern among teachers. But this is not just an education issue; major professional bodies, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, have faced similar challenges and, as a result, have withdrawn remote invigilated exams amid cheating concerns. Synoptic has been built on years of Synap’s experience working with educational institutions, training providers and enterprise users, where they have successfully delivered proctored exams across extremely diverse environments, ranging from stable, high-bandwidth settings to regions with limited power and network availability. Synoptic aims to replace blanket surveillance with configurable proctoring features and clear audit
trails to maintain academic integrity in digital settings. Dr James Gupta, CEO of Synap, explains why this transparent proctoring is essential for scaling secure online exams: “While online exams have expanded rapidly in recent years, third-party proctoring tools have faced growing criticism for intrusive candidate monitoring, inconsistent flagging and data compliance concerns. At the same time, as online exams became more pervasive across sectors, tools like generative AI and wearable tech have also made cheating much harder to detect and prove. The conversation shouldn’t be whether online exams can be trusted. It should be whether institutions are using technology that deserves to be trusted.
“We wanted to offer a more seamless exam experience, so we created Synoptic to embed proctoring directly into the exam lifecycle.” Unlike conventional proctoring solutions that rely on continuous live surveillance, Synoptic uses configurable monitoring, AI-assisted evidence gathering and comprehensive audit trails to drive fairness and regulatory compliance in online exams.
Gupta concludes: “Online exams have the potential to make education more accessible, but without clear processes and audit trails, those trying to scale these benefits will find themselves suspecting malpractice they cannot prove. That puts academic integrity at risk, and places rule- following candidates at the greatest disadvantage, which is inherently unfair.
“We didn’t develop Synoptic just to make it easier to identify cheating; we designed it to protect both sides of the exam experience, giving institutions and professional users the evidence they need, while ensuring candidates are monitored fairly and tested securely, regardless of their location or internet connection.”
UK schools turn to security tech company as Martyn’s Law approaches
Little Green Button – the safety technology company behind an industry-leading panic button system – has reported a huge surge in enquiries from the education sector, as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is set to come into full legal force next year. The Norfolk-based firm has reported a fivefold increase in enquiries from education providers in the year-to-date, with more than 200 schools across the UK getting in touch.
According to recent research conducted by Little Green Button, more than one-third (36%) of UK-based schoolworkers believe schools have become more dangerous places to work.
Nearly half (45%) of education professionals also reported that they have seen pupils being abusive towards staff, while one third (34%) have witnessed parents behaving abusively towards school employees. Yet, 58% of respondents said their schools were not prepared for a lockdown or major security incident.
Against this backdrop, schools are looking to strengthen their emergency response processes ahead of new requirements under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law. Martyn’s Law will introduce new requirements for venues and premises, and applies to education settings where 200 or more people are reasonably
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expected to be on site at any one time, meaning the vast majority of UK schools fall within its scope.
While enforcement of the new duties – covering lockdowns, evacuation, invacuation and wider preparedness – is not expected until early to mid- 2027, this leaves less than a year for schools to put measures in place to reduce the risk of serious incidents and improve preparedness. Alex Jay, CEO of Little Green Button, said: “The introduction of Martyn’s Law is driving a lot of interest in our technology from schools across the UK. We have seen a lot more enquiries coming in, as schools look to get ahead of the legislation and its requirements.
“While that is encouraging to see, the findings of our recent research show that schools are already dealing with everyday challenges around staff safety, behaviour and the need to respond quickly when issues arise. High-profile lockdown incidents at schools have understandably increased awareness of the importance and role of Martyn’s Law, as well as the benefits of proactive emergency communication and preparedness. “Alongside considering how technology can support faster and clearer communication, my advice to schools, both in response to rising incidents and entering a new regulatory environment, is to focus on preparedness: ringfence time to assess risks across their site, and ensure they have a simple, well-understood lockdown plan in place that’s tested regularly.” Little Green Button’s technology enables staff to discreetly raise alerts during emergencies, helping schools share information quickly, escalate incidents and coordinate a response. The company currently supports around 200 schools, universities, colleges and academies across the UK, with demand increasing as education providers look to improve safety procedures and prepare for upcoming regulatory requirements.
September 2026
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