ASCL comment on autumn exam series

Commenting on Ofqual’s decision for a full suite of GCSE, AS and A level exams in the autumn, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We are concerned about how schools and colleges will be able to accommodate and manage a full suite of autumn exams alongside the huge challenge of bringing all their pupils back in September, identifying learning gaps, and putting catch-up support in place. All of this will have to be done while managing the risks associated with coronavirus.

“We had argued for the autumn series to be restricted to A levels, and GCSE English and maths. However, we understand the pressure on the government and Ofqual to provide the option of a full suite of exams in the event that pupils and parents are unhappy with centre-assessed grades in August.

“We would reassure pupils and parents that the process for centre-assessed grades is robust. These qualifications will be every bit as valid as in any other year and will allow young people to progress to the next stage of the lives without hinderance, and without the need to use the autumn series.”