This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in Years 11 and 13 weren’t able to sit their GCSE & A Level Exams. As a result, their grades will be done using Teacher predictions etc.

As reported in the newspaper, i, on 19th June 2020, these grades are set to be cut by the exam boards. This means that despite the unprecedented challenges faced by the “Class of 2020”, some will suffer as a result of exam boards reducing their grades. 

As it is, many grades will not be indicative of a students true ability. And now, pupils who didn’t achieve as highly as expected in Mock Exams for example, or pupils in more economically deprived areas/weaker schools could suffer disproportionately compared to those in the more ‘well off’ areas or the best schools.

Teachers know their pupils best, and most will have made accurate predictions. We shouldn’t be punishing pupils for a situation completely out of their control. We should instead encourage more flexibility and guarantee every student fair grades to ensure their hard work and ability doesn’t go to waste.

These pupils shouldn’t suffer for not being able to sit exams. We must make sure they get equal opportunities in life.

We ask that the DofE trust that teachers know best and to stick with the teachers predicted grades.