CYP Now - Disadvantaged pupils ‘worst affected’ by exam grading system despite mocks U-turn, unions warn

Disadvantaged A-level and GCSE pupils are most likely to be affected by the government’s exam grading scheme despite an eleventh hour U-turn on mock exam grades, education unions have warned.

Disadvantaged pupils are most likely to receive lower grades on results day, unions warn. Picture: Adobe Stock

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced last night (11 August) that students receiving A-level results tomorrow (13 August) and GCSE results next week will now be allowed to use a valid mock exam grade if it is higher than that calculated through a standardised assessment by schools and colleges.

The move, which Williamson has branded a “safety net” for pupils comes days after Scotland’s First Minister was forced to apologise to students after many received lower than expected grades due to the previous performance of their schools.

Scottish pupils are now allowed to use valid mock exam grades if they are higher than calculated grades, Sturgeon has said, after critics suggested the issue had most affected those living in poorer areas.

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