Gavin Williamson urged to resign by BBC host over A-levels

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Reports suggest almost half of today’s results will be A* or A grades, up from just a quarter two years ago. This is likely due to the teacher-assessed grading system which was devised due to coronavirus. Mr Williamson is unapologetic this morning despite experts warning the new system could lead to students missing out with greater competition for a place at leading universities.

“Results day” has been brought forward this year so students have enough time to appeal against their grades.

The new grading system was announced by Ofqual in February after formal A-level examinations had to be scrapped, and will see students awarded predicted grades based on their teachers’ assessments of their performance.

Grades were submitted by June 18 and it is hoped they will be a better solution than last year’s algorithm disaster which led to outrage over unfair marks.

Exam boards asked that schools and colleges provided them with examples of students’ work and other evidence to explain how teachers’ decided upon a student’s final grades, to ensure the integrity of the system.

For hundreds of thousands of teenagers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, today’s results will determine whether they can attend their chosen university or whether they must enter Clearing.

But the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) warned students in Clearing could find it tougher than ever to find a course they were happy with amid concerns of inflated grades.

Experts have predicted that this will mean gaining a place at a leading institution is more competitive this year.

But teachers’ unions have advised parents against using law firms to challenge results and warned them not to appeal against marks “for the sake of appealing.”

Mr Williamson said students should give themselves a pat on the back today for completing their A-levels during a pandemic.

“Students have worked very hard in what has been an extraordinary and challenging year, and each and every one of them should feel incredibly proud of their achievements. We should all celebrate their resilience and ability to overcome adversity,” he said.

Mr Williamson added: “Teachers and staff have ensured that, despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, all students are able to get grades this year and so can take their next steps and make their choices about further study or entering the workplace.

“I am hugely grateful to teachers and also parents for supporting our young people in progressing to the next stage in their lives with confidence.”

While students are set to achieve highly today, Mr Williamson could be set for another disaster results day.

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08:55 Williamson shamed as A-level students admit fears

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has been shamed by critics who branded his management of A-level education a “failed disaster.” 

Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Mr Williamson defended the Government when confronted with students’ concerns about their future, but he was challenged by host Jon Kay who suggested Mr Williamson’s department had failed to support students. 

Read more: ‘You didn’t plan properly!’ Williamson shamed as A Level students admit fears of future

08:44 Why is results day earlier this year?

Results day is usually on a Thursday, with A-level and AS level results issued on different days. 

This year, however, the day has been brought forward to give students more time to appeal against ‘unfair’ grades, due to the changes in how grades have been calculated. 

However, parents and students have been warned against ‘appealing for the sake of it.’ 

08:43 Gavin Williamson dodges a-level grades question

In an awkward exchange on LBC, Mr Williamson dithered over the question of what he got in his A-levels before finally claiming he had “forgotten.” 

08:39 What time do A-level results come out?

You should be able to get your results from around 8am if you are collecting them from school. 

Your school or college should have told you if you can collect your results in person or if you should expect to receive them online, by email or in the post. 

08:26 What time does UCAS track open?

Students can log on to the UCAS track site to see whether they have got their university place from 8.30am. 

UCAS track does not open at midnight as some might believe. 

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