Plans by the Education Secretary for more generous grading
in 2021 exams have been welcomed by the Social Mobility
Commission.
Sammy Wright, Commissioner for Schools and Higher Education
has supported the range of measures announced by in
the face of the ongoing Covid pandemic.
Sammy has also praised the absence of exam results in
school performance tables this year, but called on the
Department for Education to ensure a resit year would be
available for those who needed it.
However he points out that none of the measures address the
impact that Covid will have on the most disadvantaged
groups. He argues that they will help all students equally,
leaving the most disadvantaged pupils just as far behind as
they are now.
Exams must go ahead
Mr Wright said: “We are delighted that the DfE has
recognised the difficulties schools face in ensuring
students have a fair chance in exams this summer. We agree
wholeheartedly that exams must go ahead.
“Generous grading, pre-released content, and allowing for
missed exams through an extra session or teacher assessment
are all measures to be welcomed, and will make a real
difference to young people and schools.
“The absence of exam results in performance tables for this
year is a huge boost for schools, and exactly what we have
been calling for - scrutiny is important, but in the
circumstances of this year the absence of the perverse
incentives of the accountability system will free schools
to simply focus on securing the best possible destinations
for their students, and focusing on the key qualifications
they need to do so.
“However, it is vital that we go further. None of the above
measures address the widening gap that Covid makes
inevitable. They help all students equally, and will leave
the most disadvantaged just as far behind.
“If we can allow the judicious use of centre assessed
“certificates of completion” in place of the exams that are
not central to progression, we can begin to mitigate this.
Chance of a resit year
“The suggestion of an asterisk against the grade of those
most disadvantaged by Covid also has merit.
“Finally, we must give proper consideration to the students
for whom learning loss has been so extensive that any grade
this year will never represent a true measure of their
capacity.
“These students must be guaranteed the chance of a resit
year, with no jeopardy, and schools and colleges must be
funded to provide this.”
