Union says exams for pupils who dispute grades ‘unreasonable’

EXAMS for students unhappy with their grades are in doubt after a teaching union said it was “completely unreasonable” for schools to facilitate them as they also welcome back all pupils.

Secondary schools in England were due to host exams in the autumn term for pupils dissatisfied with their calculated GCSE and A-level grades, while also coordinating a wider return to the classroom in September.

However, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the Head Teachers’ Union (NAHT), has questioned whether it is reasonable to expect all secondary schools to run an additional exam series in the pandemic.

He said: “It is vital that schools can focus on what is needed for their current students, whether that is a phased reopening, improving remote learning or face-toface teaching. The proposal that all secondary schools will run an additional exam series in the autumn term is completely unreasonable in these circumstances.”

It would be a “significant challenge” to accommodate exams alongside face-to-face lessons, while providing vital support to students who will have been out of school for six months, heads warned.

The NAHT is calling for “local hub centres” to be set up for students who want to take exams, with the Government covering extra costs.

Students in Year 11 and Year 13, who had their GCSE and A-level exams cancelled this summer, will be able to sit exams in October and November if they are unhappy with their calculated grades, under proposals by Ofqual.

But head teachers have suggested an additional autumn exam series in all secondary schools could detract attention from students who will need more academic and well-being support after being away from class.

An Ofqual spokesperson added: “The exam boards and DFE are exploring ways in which it might be possible to minimise additional burdens on centres, while ensuring that exams remain accessible to students.”

A DFE spokesperson said: “Following the cancellation of this summer’s GCSES and A-levels, students will have the opportunity to sit an exam if they are unhappy with their grade. We recognise schools and colleges will need support in delivering these, and we will work with the sector, including teaching unions … to ensure practical solutions are found and students have the opportunity they deserve.”