Pupils’ results could be lowered unfairly, say Greens

Schoolchildren are at risk of receiving lower grades from the SQA due to “a secret and unfair system”, according to the Greens.

The Scottish Greens have raised concerns over the SQA adjusting pupils’ grades, based on the school performance history.

Due to the pandemic, teachers will be entering estimated grades for students, however the SQA has said it will “moderate” the results, based on historical performances of the school, not the pupil.

The Greens have been joined by other education experts who warn that this could mean unfair results for pupils, as well as deepening inequalities in education.

Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer has pushed the agency to reveal its methodology and results of a legally-required Equalities Impact Assessment.

However, the exam body has said this will only happen after results are delivered to pupils – despite concerns from the Equality and Human Rights Commission that the proposed grading system may be illegal.

Pupils in schools that have seen the biggest recent improvement in results are at risk of having their grades undermined by historical results.

Mr Greer said: “This secret grading system ingrains inequality by marking down those who already face more adversity, no matter how hard they have worked on their coursework.

“Teachers won’t be informed that the SQA are changing their submitted grades, never mind being given the opportunity to discuss this.

“This is deeply unfair and is only creates far more work down the line when a vast number of pupils appeal their grades.

“The SQA are undermining not only the professional judgment of teachers but the hard work of pupils with this secret moderation process.

“The agency must publish its methodology and the legally required Equality Impact Assessment now, so teachers can have confidence it is robust and know what to expect when the results come in.”