Your questions answered
I know that our schools, colleges, teachers and students have all worked exceptionally hard in spite of the challenges they have faced over the past months - so it is only fair that every student gets the result they deserve and the support they need - I am therefore reassured that centre assessment grades will now be used. I will continue to press Ofqual, colleagues and ministers to ensure that students and teachers are properly supported through this change in approach. This page will continue to provide answers to questions that arise.
Ofqual announce that following feedback A Level results will now be awarded based on the higher of a Centre Assessment Grade and the moderated result that was published on Thursday 13 August.
Statement from Ofqual
"We understand this has been a distressing time for students, who were awarded exam results last week for exams they never took. The pandemic has created circumstances no one could have ever imagined or wished for. We want to now take steps to remove as much stress and uncertainty for young people as possible - and to free up heads and teachers to work towards the important task of getting all schools open in two weeks.
After reflection, we have decided that the best way to do this is to award grades on the basis of what teachers submitted. The switch to centre assessment grades will apply to both AS and A levels and to the GCSE results which students will receive later this week.
There was no easy solution to the problem of awarding exam results when no exams have taken place. Ofqual was asked by the Secretary of State to develop a system for awarding calculated grades, which maintained standards and ensured that grades were awarded broadly in line with previous years. Our goal has always been to protect the trust that the public rightly has in educational qualifications.
But we recognise that while the approach we adopted attempted to achieve these goals we also appreciate that it has also caused real anguish and damaged public confidence. Expecting schools to submit appeals where grades were incorrect placed a burden on teachers when they need to be preparing for the new term and has created uncertainty and anxiety for students. For all of that, we are extremely sorry.
We have therefore decided that students be awarded their centre assessment for this summer - that is, the grade their school or college estimated was the grade they would most likely have achieved in their exam - or the moderated grade, whichever is higher.
Will university places still be capped?
No - The Department for Education has confirmed that they are removing the student number caps so there will be no limit on the number of university places.
I didn't get a CAG can I still sit an exam in the autumn?
The autumn exams series will still be held for all those who couldn't receive a centre assessment grade.
If I feel I have been discriminated against or there was bias can I appeal?
Students who have evidence of bias or discrimination will be able to go through the normal complaints procedure at the centre. Or will be able to complain to the exam board, which could investigate malpractice.
What about vocational qualifications
As at the August 19, vocational qualifications are being reviewed to ensure that results are fair and in line with those provided to A Level and GCSE students. Importantly you will not see your result lowered because of this review, your result will stay the same or improve.
BTec qualification results have been been generally consistent with teacher and learner expectations, but there is a need for fairness in relation to what are now significantly higher outcomes for GCSE and A-levels than was previously, or is typically, the case. If you who took Cambridge Technicals, run by exam board OCR, you will also be affected by the review.
Who can I call for advice?
In the first instance I would recommend you contact your school for advice.
Exam Results Hotline - 0800 100 900 - 8am-10pm 7 days a week
The exam results Helpline can provide information on appeals, complaints, or what your next steps may be once you've received your results.
Ofqual - 0300 303 3344
Contact the Ofqual student support phone line if you want to find out more about how you were graded, the autumn exams series, how to make an appeal or raise a concern about bias or discrimination.