Poor exam marking could see A-grade pupils get E instead

EXAM markers have admitted to a string of cases in which pupils originally given an E grade in their GCSEs or A-levels had the paper re-marked up to an A grade.

Newly released data reveals many pupils’ exam scores have been so wrong that they were bumped up two, three and even four grades when the papers were re-marked.

Details from the exams watchdog Ofqual have shown around 230,000 cases in the last three years in which poor marking was only uncovered when the papers were re-submitted.

Although these cases were all eventually put right, some education experts fear there could be many more incorrectly marked papers which have gone unchallenged.

For some students, an exam marking blunder could mean they lose their place at their chosen university.

Under rules introduced last year by the exams regulator, it is now more difficult to successfully challenge grades – especially in subjective courses in the arts and humanities. Grades can no longer be changed if the remarker simply has a different opinion of the student’s answer to the first marker.

In order for a change to be made, it must be proved that the first marker made a ‘clear marking error’ or did not stick to the marking scheme. These rules attempt to stop pupils just trying to get a ‘second bite of the cherry’. But critics say the system is unfair and hard-working students should get the benefit of the doubt if two markers disagree.

Christopher McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: ‘This system discriminates against the poor who do not have the funds to fund an appeal or the “know how” to mount a challenge. The new system, restricting appeals, is an abuse of power because it covers up injustice. We need an independent enquiry to bring fairness.’

Last year saw 16,030 A-level papers bumped up one grade – for example, from a D to C. But in up to five cases it increased by four grades – potentially producing a rise from an E to an A. In GCSEs, taken by pupils at the end of Year 11, 50,925 exams were pushed up by at least one grade last year. However, it was also admitted there were five cases where the grade was bumped up four levels.

The data showed there was a sharp drop in successful challenges in 2016, following the new tougher rules on remarking. Combining A-level and GCSEs, there were only 67,398 successful challenges in 2016 – a 25 per cent decrease on the 89,510 in 2015.

Michael Turner, director general of JCQ, which represents exam boards, said: ‘The exam boards’ post-review process provides schools and colleges with the opportunity to quickly challenge results if they believe an error has been made. There is no fee if an error has been made.’

‘Abuse of power’