A comprehensive review of the VCAA is set to begin in January 2025 to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

Despite the turmoil, Carroll expressed confidence that VCE results will still be published by December 12, ahead of the first round of university offers in mid-January.

The independent panel will oversee the investigation into discrepancies in student performance and review assessments impacted by the errors.

Kylie White, the chief executive of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), resigned on November 16, 2024, following a scandal involving leaked VCE exam questions.

The issue arose from the publication of sample cover sheets on the VCAA website that contained hidden text, revealing questions identical or similar to those on actual exams.

Education Minister Ben Carroll expressed his anger and disappointment over the situation, apologizing to affected students for the inadvertent publication of exam material.

The blunder affected 56 out of 116 VCE exams in Victoria, with some containing up to 50% replicated questions, raising concerns about exam integrity.

Carroll learned of the issue in mid-October but received inaccurate assurances from the VCAA regarding the rewriting of the exams.

This incident is not isolated, as similar blunders have occurred in the past, including errors in general maths and chemistry exams in 2023.

In response to the scandal, Carroll has ordered a comprehensive review of the VCAA's structure and operations, appointing an independent advisory panel led by former VCAA CEO John Firth.

If anomalies are found, adjustments may be made to student marks, including potentially invalidating questions and awarding full marks to all students if necessary.

The Victorian government is committed to ensuring fair marking for students and will use a nationally recognized assessment tool to identify any unfair advantages gained from the leak.