Commenting on examinations and the continued position of
on 2021
arrangements for England, Avis Gilmore, Deputy General Secretary
of the National Education Union, said:
“Any sensible observer can see there will not be a level playing
field for exams in England next year, but we are of course not
dealing with a sensible government. Where Scotland and Wales lead
the way, England is once again running out the clock with plans
for a three-week delay to 2021 exams and very little else.
“The consequences of dither and delay are clear. Attendance rates
falter, with more students having to self-isolate and learn at
home. All pupils missed a term of study in the summer, and whilst
some have been able to attend schools and colleges since
September, many pupils’ education is still being interrupted by
episodes of self-isolation as the government’s own attendance
figures show.
“The mistakes of 2020 must never happen again, but history now
runs the risk of repeating itself. With different rates of pupil
absences across the country due to Covid, the current approach to
exams in England is increasingly untenable. Not all students are
able to access their education equally. We need to see a
reduction in what is assessed, and a serious conversation with
the profession to ensure a robust national system of moderated
centre-assessed grades.
“Decisive action is needed to ensure schools and colleges have a
clear path forward, giving students and their families the
reassurance that an examination system is in place that ensures
fairness across the country.”
