ASCL comment on GCSE appeals

Commenting on today’s statistics on reviews of marking and moderation in GCSE, AS and A level exams, Suzanne O’Farrell, curriculum and assessment specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We are very concerned about the massive muddle which has emerged today about GCSE appeals. Schools have in good faith appealed against results which they were concerned were incorrect. Grades have then been changed, most notably in English language and literature. Now we are told that in some cases this should not have happened, and that this is at least partially responsible for an increase in the proportion of regraded GCSEs.

“Ofqual has said that these results will stand. However, the confusion that this situation has created is deeply unsatisfactory for students and schools. It is clear that lessons must be learned, and that this situation must not happen again.”