Students Who Use Keyboards in Exams Get Better Scores, Research Finds

A growing body of research is revealing an important trend in modern education: students who use keyboards in exams tend to achieve higher scores compared to those who rely solely on pen and paper. This finding is influencing how schools and examination boards view technology in assessment environments.

Evidence from Recent Study carried out by University College London: 

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/aug/20/students-keyboards-exams-better-scores-research?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other 

Richard Adams Education editor, The Guardian

An educational study carried out at UCL (University College London) tested state school pupils in mock exam conditions for essays, comparing their scores using handwriting and word processors. Results consistently show that keyboard users produce longer responses with clearer structure and fewer errors. In some cases, scores were up to 17% higher for students who typed their exams, especially in subjects that require detailed written analysis.

“For students without literacy difficulties, more than 50% wrote more words using keyboards compared with handwriting. Their test scores rose by 17% on average.

Students with identified difficulties had an average increase of 14% in test scores and produced 31% more words compared with handwriting.” Dr. Emma Sumner, lead of research, University College London.

Why Keyboards Make a Difference

Typing on a keyboard allows students to write faster and more efficiently, giving them more time to plan, structure, and review their answers. For subjects that require extended written responses—such as essays in English, history, or social sciences—speed and clarity can have a significant impact on performance.

Handwriting, while valuable, can slow students down, especially under time constraints. Research indicates that typed responses often have better organization and grammar, likely because students can easily edit and restructure their work without starting over.

Moreover, keyboard use benefits students with additional learning needs. For example:

Dyslexic students can use spell-check tools where permitted.

Students with handwriting difficulties can express their knowledge without being penalised for legibility issues.

Those with slow handwriting speeds can keep pace with their peers.

Changing Education Policy

With these findings, many schools are considering expanding the use of computers in exams. Some examination boards already allow students to type their responses, provided strict security measures are in place to prevent cheating. As education continues to adapt to a digital world, more schools may follow suit.

What This Means for Students

For students, the message is clear: learning to type efficiently is no longer just a useful skill—it’s an academic advantage. Schools and parents may want to encourage touch typing practice early on, so students are comfortable using keyboards under exam conditions.