GCSE, AS and A-level exams in England will be replaced by school-based assessments, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed today.
Speaking in the commons Mr Williamson reassured MPs that despite the current lockdown restrictions, schools were safe, saying: “I’d like to reassure everyone that our schools have not suddenly become unsafe.”
He continued to say he was unveiling “the contingency plans I had prepared but had hoped (would) never had to implement”.
“I can confirm that GCSE, A Level and AS Level Exams will not go ahead this summer. This year we are going to put our trust in teachers rather than algorithms.
“The Department and Ofqual had already worked up a range of contingency options. While the details will have to be fine tuned in consultation with Ofqual, the exam boards and teaching representative organisations, I can confirm now I wish to use a form of teacher assessed grades with training and support to ensure these are awarded fairly and consistently across the country.”
He also said teachers will be legally required to provide up to five hours of online education a day during the third national lockdown.
