The Examination Officers' Association (EOA) is planning to test the move in a small number of exam centres.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers warned last month of an "Orwellian" surveillance culture developing in schools as more classrooms are fitted with CCTV cameras to monitor pupils' behaviour.

But EOA chief executive Andrew Harland said using the technology could help to root out exam cheats and protect both invigilators and students.

He said: "I am just asking this question on behalf of the community (of exam administrators).

"Let's not wait another six months to ask if this is a problem - I see the stress growing on my colleagues' faces."

Mr Harland said the introduction of the diploma system in September could mean more students sitting exams in centres where they are not known.

He highlighted invigilators' fears that students could falsely complain they were being stared at or had not been given a key instruction.

Devices like pens fitted with voice recorders are making invigilators' jobs much harder, he added.

A recent survey of the EOA's 2,500 members found about 60% were interested in testing CCTV in exam rooms.