It is for iGCSEs rather than GCSEs. And it is only one board. An important distinction in this case because of Ofqual regulation.
I think there are positives to remote invigilation but also potential problems/pitfalls.
It is a much more expensive option, which will be prohibitively expensive for many, especially if they want to sit multiple remote invigilation subjects. Not all will have the necessary technology either.
What happens when tech goes wrong on a widespread scale as it did for Oxford University last year?
What happens when tech goes wrong on an individual level? Not unusual when you look at the difficulties that sometimes arise for GCSE candidates with access arrangements using tech in centres and home invigilation now and the problems individuals experience with professional exams.
Pearson’s on screen exams are relatively new, have all forms of accessibility and access arrangements been thoroughly tested or will some candidates be excluded (or even worse disqualified during/after the exams) because of their disability? For example, what about those who need rest breaks that involve moving away from the screen and out of the room?
The entry deadlines are sooner, too. I imagine some will be caught out by that.