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Coronavirus: Exams regulator to set out details of process and timetable ‘next week’

Detailed information about how pupils will be assessed for this summer’s GCSEs and A-levels won’t be published until next week, the exams regulator has said.

But schools will have to wait longer for details of how moderation and appeals will work.

Ofqual said it was “rapidly working up plans” to implement the arrangements announced by the government last week.

Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, announced last Wednesday that exams this summer would be cancelled. On Friday, the government said pupils would instead be assessed by their teachers. Schools have been awaiting further details since then.

“Students understandably want reassurance, and teachers urgently need to know what to do, and when,” said Ofqual in a statement.

“We expect to publish detailed information about the process and timetable which will apply this summer next week.”

Next week’s release will cover the steps teachers will have to follow and “more detailed guidance on how to consider the full range of evidence they will have available when submitting their assessment grades”.

“We are talking to teaching representatives to make sure that what we are planning is manageable and appropriate, so that students, parents, carers and teachers can have confidence in the approach.”

Ofqual has also pledged to outline “by Easter” the process it will follow to make sure grades are fair across schools, as well as its proposals for appeals.

“We will also say more as soon as possible about the arrangements for additional exams in the new academic year,” the regulator said.

“We want to reassure students waiting for news that we are doing everything we can to make sure they are not disadvantaged by these unprecedented circumstances.

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3 Comments

  1. Julie Ancell

    Going into school in 8 days time. Could do some food work with the students (I am a food teacher) then will probably be about 8 to 12 students. I am not keen for hygiene reasons. Are there any guidelines on this ?

  2. Mrs Greystoke

    What happens for students who had a statement issued during A level studies awarding extra time etc. If the final Alevel grades are awarded on that students previous Gcse results (no extra time given etc) and Alevel mock surely that student final Alevel grade would not be reflective of that student’s final grade?

    • Yes, it does look like that is going to happen i.e. cap A level grades based on GCSE grades. Grossly unjust – many students excel at A level despite only just scraping onto the course wit low GCSE grades.