In short:

The VCAA has reported a hack of its website during the VCE exam period, raising concerns for Year 12 students. While there is currently no evidence that 2026 exam papers were leaked, students deserve transparent communication and an assessment system that prioritises wellbeing.

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What next:

VicSRC are calling for the VCAA to centre student voice in communications processes and commit to broader assessment reform around high-stakes exams. 

 

The Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) is calling on the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) to prioritise student wellbeing and transparent communication following reports of a website hack.

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While the VCAA has stated there is no evidence of exam leaks and that the hacker's claims are fabricated, students deserve accessible information about what has happened.

VicSRC CEO Julia Baron said communicating with care and centring student voice is critical while the VCAA investigate this issue.

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"Regardless of the investigation’s outcome, students deserve to feel confident that the systems responsible for their education are secure, and that they will be communicated with transparently if something goes wrong”.    

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VicSRC has consistently heard from students about the impact of high-stakes exams on mental health, as well as the anxiety caused when issues arise. Students reported feeling anxious and unsupported following the 2024 VCE exam errors, particularly with misinformation circulating.

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VicSRC’s recommendations from the submission to the Independent Review of the VCAA remain vital. The VCAA must:

• Commit to breaking the over-reliance on traditional examinations and high-stakes testing, including additional resources to deliver (or support the delivery of) effective and far-reaching professional learning to support teachers with modern, effective, engaging summative and formative assessment methods.

• Improve external communications to ensure it is clear, timely, and co-designed with students to ensure it is accessible through mediums that students prefer to engage with information. Families also need accurate and accessible information to support students effectively.

• Communicate with care, transparency and accountability towards students when errors occur, recognising the stress these issues cause and responding in ways that prioritise students’ mental health and wellbeing. 

• Establish a central and permanent student voice mechanism within its governance structures.

• Commit to reforms of the senior secondary certificates to ensure all pathways are equally valued and accessible, with flexibility to recognise students’ diverse strengths and ambitions.

 

For media queries, contact Julia Baron at julia@vicsrc.org.au.