Schools in England and Wales are bracing for a backlash from students and parents over A-level results due on Thursday, amid fears that disadvantaged pupils will be unfairly penalised by a statistical grading model. The system, which combines teacher estimates with past school performance and prior attainment, has already caused controversy in Scotland, where thousands received lower-than-expected grades.
Critics argue that bright students from poor-performing or improving state schools may see their grades downgraded. Southend sixth-former Lexie Bell, predicted an A* and two As, faces potential downgrading because no candidate at her school has achieved above a C in her subjects in the last three years. Her father, Michael, said the appeals process is 'not fit for purpose', as individual appeals are not allowed, schools must pay a fee, and decisions can take up to 84 days.
The Social Mobility Commission said Ofqual has a 'moral imperative' to address injustices. Commissioner Sammy Wright warned that disadvantaged students at poorly performing schools are most at risk, and many may not even consider appealing. Ofqual admitted that a substantial number of students will receive at least one grade adjusted from their teacher's assessment, limiting grade inflation to around 2% at A-level and 1% at GCSE, compared to 12% and 9% if all teacher assessments were accepted.
The Sutton Trust urged universities to give leeway to poorer applicants, noting the pandemic has hit the poorest hardest. An Ofqual spokesperson defended the model, saying it is 'the best possible under the circumstances' and that the vast majority of grades will match centre assessments.
