Keeping system for BTECS is ‘mystifying’

THE decision not to remove BTECS from the controversial algorithm grading system sparked confusion last night, after Gavin Williamson said he was “very much hoping” to see them included in the changes.

Exam regulator Ofqual said that bringing vocational marking in line with A-levels and GCSES would have

“limited impact”, but the Education Secretary insisted his department would be working with authorities to ensure they would also be exempt. He said there had to be “absolute parity and fairness” across the board.

It comes after the Government made a major U-turn by confirming that Alevel and GCSE results would be based solely on teacher assessments following major backlash. Roger Taylor, the head of Ofqual, said the changes were made after “seeing the experience” of students’ “distress” and “anxiety”. However, BTEC students’ exams will still be subject to algorithm weighting.

Senior Conservative politicians questioned why exams undertaken for the vocational qualifications would still be subject to potential downgrading.

Robert Halfon, chairman of the education select committee, said he was “mystified” that BTECS had not been included.