ASCL comment on adjustments to GCSE grading standards

Responding to Ofqual's announcement of adjustments to grading for GCSE French, German and computer science, Julie McCulloch, Director of Policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“It's vital that grading is fair and comparable and we welcome Ofqual's announcement. Particularly welcome is the finalising of adjustments to grading in GCSE French and German, something that was originally announced back in 2019 but then interrupted by the pandemic.

“We will be able to see the precise impact of these adjustments when GCSE results are announced in August, but the requirement for exam boards to make positive adjustments to grades awarded is good news for all those taking exams this summer and beyond.

“Going forward, we will continue to argue for greater adjustment so that GCSE grades in modern languages are comparable with grades in other EBacc subjects. Currently pupils are too often left incorrectly thinking that their ability in modern languages is not as high as in other EBacc subjects. In the meantime though, we hope that this change will provide encouragement to students and teachers of modern languages.”