I am delighted at the announcement from Ofqual and the Government that A-Level And GCSE students will be given their grades based on teacher estimates rather than the algorithm, whichever is the higher. I know this has been an incredibly distressing time for students, parents and teachers and I hope this decision now allays some of this anxiety. I have had many constituents contact me with their concerns and I have been making representations to Government on their behalf. I am so pleased that the Government has listened and rectified this situation.
As someone who worked in Higher Education for many years, including time as an Admissions Associate Dean, I know that this is such a crucial time for students. Educational assessment is not an exact science, especially in a year when exams had to be cancelled. Strong leadership exists when Government steps up, acknowledges a problem, apologises and corrects it. It is great that this now appears to be a consistent approach across the UK. In meetings today with Schools and University Ministers I have been assured that this process will benefit students across the sector who have worked so hard and that measures are being taken to help Universities bolster capacity this year and next after this period of uncertainty.
