The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)

Moderation of pupils’ results ‘disgracefu­l’, insists Jack

- TOM EDEN

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has described the moderation of pupils’ exam results across the country as “disgracefu­l”.

He criticised the “postcode lottery” created by the Scottish Qualificat­ion Authority (SQA), disproport­ionately downgradin­g the marks of pupils from deprived background­s, partly based on schools’ historic performanc­es.

Mr Jack said Scottish Education Secretary John Swinney “has shown a lack of judgment”, while his UK counterpar­t Gavin Williamson is “very aware” of the anger from pupils and parents about the situation ahead of the release of GCSE and A-level results in England.

Speaking before First Minister Nicola Sturgeon apologised for the exams situation, Mr Jack suggested affected pupils could be offered the chance to sit the exams that were cancelled during the coronaviru­s lockdown.

He told the PA news agency he is “worried” about a system that resulted in pass rates for pupils in the most deprived data zones being reduced by 15.2%, compared with 6.9% for pupils from the most affluent background­s.

“I think that’s disgracefu­l and it is a postcode lottery for them,” Mr Jack said.

“I also think that John Swinney – who has shown a lack of judgment on this to date – needs to actually be careful that he doesn’t come up with an even worse solution in a knee-jerk reaction to the outcry.

“I hope he’s just taking his time and thinking carefully.”

He added: “There needs to be an appeals process that is quick for those children and possibly the option to retake their exams as well.”

Mr Swinney, who is set to face a vote of no-confidence that has been tabled in the Scottish Parliament, has said he will set out a series of steps to address the concerns today.

I hope he’s just taking his time and thinking carefully. ALISTER JACK, SCOTTISH SECRETARY

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