Agreement with UCLES

RM PLC
18 August 2004



 RM enters framework agreement with leading examinations board UCLES to provide
                               eMarking services

RM plc, the UK's leading supplier of information and communications technology
(ICT) and other services to education and the University of Cambridge Local
Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) have signed a framework agreement. Under the
agreement, which follows a successful pilot project in January 2004, RM will
become UCLES' strategic partner for the development and delivery of eMarking
services.

Over the next twelve months RM will develop technology services designed to
transform UCLES' 'back-office' marking processes. Examination boards currently
transport large numbers of paper copies of examination scripts to markers (who
typically work from their homes), with assessment data entered manually on
physical marksheets. ICT is seen as a key element of streamlining these
processes and providing a more efficient, flexible and accurate approach to
examination marking. Technology has the potential to speed up the marking
process and hence the time taken to produce the results for candidates.

The services planned include: a workflow engine, which manages the distribution
of examination scripts throughout the eMarking process; scanning services, which
create and manage digital images of examination scripts; and a marking
application, which collates and analyses marking performance data and, in some
cases, allows on-screen marking. A series of pilots are planned to test out the
services, culminating in providing a complete eMarking service for over one
million live examination scripts in summer 2005.

Commenting on the agreement, Simon Lebus, CEO of UCLES, said:

'It is clear that ICT services will be essential in modernising the processes
that underpin the delivery of examinations. We are determined that UCLES takes
full advantage of the benefits that technology can offer, but equally it is
essential that we do not compromise the integrity and quality of the assessment
service we offer.'

'We are confident that this partnership with RM will enable us to deliver those
objectives for our stakeholders. We anticipate, assuming that our rigorous
programme of trials proceeds according to plan, a major deployment of eMarking
in the coming year.'

Tim Pearson, CEO of RM, added:

'The Qualifications and Curriculum Agency (QCA), which regulates public
examination in England, expects ICT to play a significant role in modernising
assessment. RM is already working with the QCA on its pioneering initiative to
introduce online testing for the curriculum subject of ICT.

'I'm delighted that UCLES has chosen us to help them with their modernisation
programme; UCLES is one of the UK's most important examination boards and this
agreement is an important next step in establishing RM as a leading provider in
the emerging market for innovative eMarking services.'

                                 - Ends -

For further information, please contact:
-----------------------                                  ----------
Phil Hemmings, RM plc                                    07768 353835
Fiona Laffan/Mark Antelme, Brunswick                     020 7404 5959
-----------------------                                  -----------

Notes to Editors:

1. The UCLES Group is an international assessment agency recognised by
governments around the world for its professional, rigorous and high standard
assessments. It has four streams:

    • OCR, the UK Awarding body that designs, constructs and examines
      GCSEs, A-levels, and a wide range of vocational qualifications;
    • University of Cambridge International Exams that provides
      assessment services worldwide and supplies International GCSEs, A-levels 
      and vocational qualifications;
    • University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages
      which operates in over 140 countries;
    • An Assessment Directorate which is working on e-assessment and
      university entrance exams such as Thinking Skills Assessment and BMAT.

2. Speaking at an e-assessment conference in April this year, Ken Boston, Chief
Executive of the QCA said:

'QCA sees itself as vigorously driving forward towards early achievement of this
vision of electronic assessment. In doing so, we seek to prepare for the
Secretary of State a comprehensive and deliverable proposal for implementation
of e-assessment.'

3. The QCA key stage 3 ICT assessment project will develop the first national
test to be delivered on screen in England. This will be a process-based
assessment for the curriculum subject of ICT for 14-year olds. Initial pilot
tests took place in summer 2004.



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