It has been confirmed that schools instead of a similar algorithm to last year, will determine student’s grades this summer. With the actual exams cancelled, it will be up to schools to determine the student’s final grades taking into consideration mock exams, coursework and essays reported Ofqual on Thursday.

Last summer when an algorithm was used to determine the grades, many students experienced their results being downgraded, with some students reporting a three-grade drop. This resulted in Ofqual announcing a change to the grading process using teacher’s predictions instead. Whilst the new system in place will prevent a harsh downgrade, many students are concerned about potential teacher bias and the lack of measures in place to prevent grade inflation. There is going to be no fixed share of grades and schools will not be expected to keep in line with previous results.

Gavin Williamson, the Secretary of State for Education stated that grade inflation was a key concern and an important issue which will be combatted through a series of internal and external checks to ‘root out malpractice’.

Results day has been brought forward, it is now earlier in August to enable students time to appeal before continuing onto the next steps in higher education. This means that results day has now been confirmed as the 10th August for A-Levels and the 12th August for GCSE grades.

All exam boards for every subject will be holding a range of optional mock exams, but it is up to the school to decide whether to take these into account as they will not be taken under exam conditions or in an exam hall.

It is appearing that this year may be another unpredictable year for exam students and therefore resilience is more important than ever. Crescent Tuition has the tools and support available for all students struggling to feel prepared for their mock assessments or results day.