Update - 17/8/20
I am pleased to see that this year’s A level and GCSE results will now be based on teacher's assessments.
I hope this will bring the reward and certainty every student and their families were hoping for.
Please see below for a letter from the Secretary of State.
--
13/8/20
The A level results announced today have resulted in a large number of grades being lower than people had expected. I completely understand the huge disappointment that some students are experiencing with the A-Level grades they have been awarded today. After so much hard work in difficult circumstances today must be extraordinarily distressing.
Below is the latest advice for people in this situation. I will update this page if the guidance changes and I have already been in communication with the Minister for Schools today about these issues. I have made the point that they should look at the algorithm again for those who have missed out on their place in further education, and also that assessed exams/mocks be the primary basis for appeal. I have also raised the specific problems some home-schooled students are facing.
I have written to the Department for Education to state that it is imperative that a fair, simple and quick appeals process is put in place ASAP, Students whose grades are improved on appeal must be able to take up their further education places, if they meet their offer. Appeals should be looked at individually and holistically, with all relevant assessments, as well as mocks, being taken into account. This is especially important for home schooled students.
Students who have received grades lower than their centre assessed expectation should immediately contact their school or college and ask for an appeal to be submitted, and talk about the possibility of sitting exams. Students who have missed the grades for their higher education offer are advised to contact their university directly even if they have received the automatic email of non-acceptance. Universities have committed to be flexible and most are considering a wide variety of factors in addition to the grade awarded.
- You may also wish to contact the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline for students who want advice on their next steps, including appeals and autumn exams. The helpline is free and will be open from until 28 August from 8 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week on 0800 100 900.
- You can also contact the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3344.
- You can read the full Government guidance on the results here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/your-results-what-next
I am committed to helping my constituents with this process if I can and I will publish any further guidance.