By Sheila Mckenzie-
There are over 20,000 entries for the A-level ‘resits’ this autumn following the government’s summer grading debacle, new data has revealed.
Exams regulator Ofqual have revealed today that the autumn resit exams have over 20,000 entries, for pupils hoping to improve their exam grades. The examining board had a few weeks ago appeared to be unco-operative in releasing the numbers of entrants for the resits, but seem to have eventually caved into pressure to make them public.
The autumn series were put in place as part of the exceptional arrangements for awarding qualifications in 2020 following the debacle accompanying the grading system for the summer exam series cancelled due to Covid-19.
After results were issued to this year’s cohort, based on a range of evidence and data, including performance in mock exams and non-exam assessment, complaints from several pupils and schools led to pupils being given a second chance to improve their grades.
As a result of the U-turn in August, pupils were given the option to receive their CAGs or to sit an exam in the autumn if they feel this grade was unfair. After results were issued to this year’s cohort based on a range of evidence and data, including performance in mock exams and non-exam assessment, complaints from several pupils and schools led to pupils being given a second chance to improve their grades.
The statistics reveal that state schools accounted for 23 per cent of the entries for the Autumn A-level entries compared with just 10 per cent from independent schools.
Students resitting their exams will have an opportunity to prepare and satisfy themselves that the grade they are awarded is for their performance in an exam they sat. Other discontent students will wait an extra year to take their exams.
Pupils unable to sit these additional autumn exams face waiting another year to get a better grade, but those unable to attend exams who have completed a minimum of 25 per cent of the assessments in the subject they are resitting t will be awarded a grade consistent with their performance
Those candidates who take less than the minimum necessary assessments and therefore cannot be awarded a grade in the autumn series will have the option to enter exams in summer 2021.”