PALMERS College's CEO has joined critics of government and welcomed yesterday's (Monday, 17 August) U-turn on A-level result gradings.

The government responded to huge concerns about its A-level grading policy by backtracking, abandoning its controversial exam algorithm and saying teachers' estimates will be awarded to students unless the computer algorithm gave a higher grade.

Dan Pearson, principal & CEO of USP colleges, which includes the Grays campus in Thurrock, says: "Last week I was disappointed and disheartened that students' centre submitted grades were downgraded by an algorithm that does not take individual talents, circumstances or hard work into account.

"I welcome news that the Government has taken decisive action to remedy this, rightly putting the assessment of these students abilities back into the hands of the teachers who know them."