THE headteacher at one of Thurrock's Sixth Forms has welcomed news that the government has made a U-turn on its policy of downgrading students' A-level results.

This afternoon (Monday, 17 August), 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.

And the same ruling will apply to GCSE results, due out this week.

It follows uproar after about 40 per cent of A-level results were downgraded by exams regulator Ofqual, which used a formula based on schools' prior grades.

Ofqual chair Roger Taylor and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson apologised for the "distress" caused. Mr Williamson said students and parents had been affected by "significant inconsistencies" with the grading process.

In a statement, he acknowledged the "extraordinarily difficult" year for students, after exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the government had worked with Ofqual to design "the fairest possible model" but it had become clear that the process of awarding grades had resulted in "more significant inconsistencies than can be resolved through an appeals process".

He added: "I am sorry for the distress this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve."

In response to the news Ceri Evans, headteacher of Ortu Gable Hall School which includes the Ortu Stanford and Corringham Sixth Form, said: "We are delighted that our students, who have had a tremendously difficult school year, will have their hard work reflected in their grades. This decision is rational, workable, fair and nods to teacher professionalism."

"A-Level results day has been a day of celebration for our pupils in the past, however this year many were left disappointed with what they received. We were already in the process of discussing appeals for many of our students who deserved it, so it is a relief to hear today's news.

"While we are pleased that the Government have listened to our concerns, acknowledged the issue and swiftly put it right, there is still a lot of clarification needed, such as student certificates and appeals. Once we know more, we will inform our students and their parents as soon as possible via our website."

"We have been incredibly proud of all of our students this year and hope that as a result of the government's decision today, they are able to secure a place at their chosen university or apprenticeship. The Trust's priority is that all of our students can go on to secure their next steps in higher education or apprenticeships."

Thurrock exam results - There are celebrations for some but commiserations, support and a sense of injustice for others...