It has this afternoon been announced that A-level and GCSE results will now be decided with teachers’ predicted grades instead of a computer algorithm decision.
The news follows a furious backlash from students, teachers and parents over the results given which saw around 40% of A-level results downgraded.
Regulator Ofqual confirmed that England would follow steps already taken by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with students able to take the higher of either the adjusted grade or the estimate made by their teachers.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson apologised to students and parents affected saying ‘This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for young people who were unable to take their exams,’
‘We worked with Ofqual to construct the fairest possible model, but it is clear that the process of allocating grades has resulted in more significant inconsistencies than can be resolved through an appeals process.
‘We now believe it is better to offer young people and parents certainty by moving to teacher assessed grades for both A and AS level and GCSE results.
‘I am sorry for the distress this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve.’
