Grading of A levels’ concern as pupils receive results today

Since lockdown, pupils have been studying hoping to sit exams but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, were unable to take tests this summer.

Instead teachers will predict A level results. That system of assessment has already caused issues in Scotland this week.

NUS-USI President Ellen Fearon said: “The NI Government must follow Scotland by scrapping moderated grades if students face an A Level results postcode lottery on Thursday.

“It is deeply unfair that thousands of students face being marked down because of where they live or the school that they go to.

“School pupils and college students have been experiencing significant stress for months as they faced ongoing uncertainty about their exam results and their future.

“The government need to create a fair and quick solution that allows students to take up their university place in September, at no further disadvantage to them.

“This situation has exposed systematic failings within our exams system that need urgently reviewed.

“We must ensure that every student is assessed fairly, in an educational system that removes barriers rather than enforces them. The government must treat students fairly and make sure that no one is left at a disadvantage simply because they belonged to the class of 2020.”

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