Now GCSEs and A-levels in 2021 may be delayed

PUPILS look likely to face disruption into next year as GCSE and A-level exams could be shifted from May to early June 2021.

Exams regulator Ofqual is making contingency plans as thousands of youngsters at secondary schools could miss out on full- time education for months longer.

Many secondaries could still be using rotating classroom rotas, which see children in school only on certain days of the week, in the autumn term or even after Christmas – affecting those due to sit GCSEs and A-levels later in the year.

Head teachers say options being considered include pushing back the exam timetable by a few weeks, reducing the content of qualifications, increasing teacher assessment and allowing pupils to take texts into examination halls.

The planned shake-up comes as many primary schools across the North West will remain closed today over concerns that the coronavirus infection rate is on the rise. Research shows the virus’ reproductive rate, known as the R value, is higher than the crucial threshold of 1 in the region.

Fears are intensifying about the long- term damage to youngsters’ education, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Boris Johnson had wanted nurseries and primary schools to begin reopening from June 1, with Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 groups returning first, but many failed to do so, particularly in the North.

Some pupils in Year 10 and 12 will be allowed to meet face-toface with their teachers at secondary school from June 15. But Government guidance to secondary schools on social distancing mean thousands might only return part-time from September.

The Government announced in March that all GCSE and A-level exams would be cancelled this summer, with predicted grades awarded instead. Geoff Barton, of the Association of School and College Leaders, yesterday said options being discussed for next year include creating greater ‘flexibility’ such as fewer texts being assessed in English Literature.

Ofqual and the Department for Education said they were working closely together to consider possible measures and would provide further information in the coming weeks.