Was Williamson warned about algorithm in July?
THE SCHOOLS minister yesterday admitted that he was warned that the algorithm to determine grades could disadvantage poorer students – but pressed on regardless.
Nick Gibb said that Sir Jon Coles, a former Department for Education director-general, raised concerns over potential issues of fairness in mid-July.
He claims he then raised this with Ofqual and was assured that it would not lead to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds being adversely affected.
But later research suggested those from private schools fared better than those at state schools.
His admission raises questions for Education Secretary Gavin Williamson who has denied he was aware of the issues until the weekend before the crisis.
On BBC Breakfast Mr Gibb said of Sir Jon: ‘He felt the model as devised would disadvantage young people from poorer families.’
Sir Jon wrote to Mr Williamson early last month to express concerns about the algorithm used by Ofqual, The Times reported. Sir Jon is said to have warned that, at best, the model being applied to Alevels and GCSEs would be only 75 per cent accurate.
Ofqual’s own tests on its algorithm, published last week, found that it was 60 per cent accurate.
Mr Williamson is said to have held a video conference with Sir Jon in mid-July to discuss his concerns. But he pushed ahead with the algorithm amid worries about grade inflation and the risk of results being delayed.
Sir Jon did not respond to requests for comment.