Grades decided by an algorithm – that was all Gavin’s idea!
We warned against computer model, say officials
GAVIN Williamson ignored warnings that computerised grades would be impossible to get right, officials said yesterday.
They broke their silence to tell MPs the Education Secretary did not follow advice from the watchdog Ofqual to hold socially- distanced exams instead.
Downing Street was also apparently briefed that standardised grading by algorithm could lead to ‘widespread dissatisfaction’ and favour private schools.
Roger Taylor, who chairs Ofqual, firmly laid at Mr Williamson’s door the blame for the debacle that unfairly downgraded thousands of students. He said it was a fundamental mistake for politicians to think Ofqual’s algorithm for awarding grades would be acceptable to the public, saying opting for it was always a ‘worstcase scenario’.
The Education Secretary and the Prime Minister initially backed the computerised system until they were forced into a humiliating Uturn. Used when exams were cancelled, it was peppered with ‘inexplicable variations’ and widened the attainment gap between rich and poor.
Mr Johnson has since described Ofqual’s work as a ‘mutant algorithm’ and the Education Secretary said he was unaware of the implications until the A- level results were published.
In the Commons yesterday, the Prime Minister claimed: ‘Ofqual made it absolutely clear time and again that in their view the system that was in place was robust.’
But Julie Swan, head of general qualifications at Ofqual, told the
Commons education committee that the agency had tried to flag up its concerns over the algorithm.
She said ministers were told on March 16 it would be ‘challenging, if not impossible, to attempt to moderate estimates in a way that is fair for all this year’s students’.
A paper to a Cabinet committee on May 1 highlighted the risk of dissatisfaction with grades and damage to public confidence.
The Ofqual official said that no 10 was briefed of the dangers on August 7, adding: ‘We have been briefing and we were trying to act on the risks, but it’s the lack of alternative, and this has been the problem throughout.’
MPs have accused the watchdog of refusing to change tack when the algorithm’s failure was looking inevitable or take responsibility thereafter. But Mr Taylor insisted he had urged Mr Williamson to consider socially-distanced exams or a delay.
He added: ‘It was the Secretary of State who then subsequently took the decision and announced without further consultation with Ofqual that exams were to be cancelled and the system of calculated grades was to be implemented.’ In a written statement, Mr Taylor maintained fault lay with the
Department for Education. He said: ‘Understandably, there is now a desire to attribute blame.
‘The decision to use a system of statistical standardised teacher assessments was taken by the Secretary of State and issued as a direction to Ofqual.
‘We kept the DfE fully informed about the work we were doing and the approach we intended to take to qualifications, the risks and impact on results as they emerged.
‘The blame lies with us collectively – all of us who failed to design a mechanism for awarding grades that was acceptable to the public and met the Secretary of State’s policy intent of ensuing grades were awarded in a way consistent with the previous year.’ Geoff Barton, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: ‘We look forward to the Government’s response, and how this squares with the Prime Minister’s recent statement that a “mutant algorithm” was to blame for the grading fiasco.’
Kate Green, Labour’s education spokesman, said: ‘The evidence given by Ofqual today has raised serious questions about Gavin Williamson’s role.’
A DfE spokesman said: ‘ We listened to views from a range of parties, including Ofqual, and given the public health requirements at the time, made what was a very difficult decision on the basis that it was a necessary step.’
‘Very difficult decision’