So exams are off? Q&A

YES. As expected, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced yesterday that GCSEs and A-levels will be replaced this year with a system relying on teacher grading ‘ rather than algorithms’. He also said that SATs in primary schools will not go ahead this year.

How will it work?

THE Education Secretary gave few details yesterday and students, parents and teachers are unlikely to have a clear idea of how the grading system will work for weeks, if not months. There has been speculation that the exams regulator Ofqual may finalise a plan by the end of February but the process of consultation will only begin next week. On the plus side, the bosses behind last year’s ‘ mutant algorithm’ scandal have quit and the regulator is sure to advocate a more straightforward system that puts fairness at its heart in an attempt to see off any further criticism.

What do teachers say?

THE reaction from education unions has been mixed, with criticism mainly focusing on the lack of clarity on the plans and the potential extra workload for teachers. Paul Whiteman, leader of heads’ union the

NAHT, said that ‘whatever solution the Government comes up with it needs to be arrived at rapidly’.

What about BTecs and other qualifications?

MR Williamson has refused to call off exams for these – due to be taken by 130,000 candidates this month – despite outrage from colleges and students. However, students unable to take an exam have been told they can still get a grade if there is evidence of sufficient attainment.

Anything else on schools?

THE Education Secretary said he expected pupils at home to be provided with between three and five hours of online learning a day. He warned that the schools inspectorate Ofsted could check up on those deemed to be underperforming on this.