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Daily News Summary
21 August 2020

Ofqual and ministers 'were warned algorithm would generate inaccurate and unfair grades'
Exam results 2020: School leaders respond
Year 11 results: Heads raise concerns over unusually high grades
Year 13 results: Students to be offered a place at their first choice university following government U-turn
Coronavirus: Guidance on face coverings in Scotland's schools 'could change in the near future'

Ofqual and ministers 'were warned algorithm would generate inaccurate and unfair grades'

 

An article in The Telegraph reports education secretary Gavin Williamson and Ofqual were warned by independent schools, colleges and universities that the algorithm used to calculate grades would penalise bright pupils in disadvantaged schools. By Charles Hymas and Hayley Dixon. The article mentions the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.

Sir Jon Coles, a former director-general at the Department for Education, has called for a "full, systematic and independent inquiry" into the model used to moderate grades this year. By Steven Swinford and Kieran Andrews, The Times. The Office for Statistics Regulation has said it will conduct a review into how statistical models used to calculate grades were developed. By Zoe Tidman, The Independent.

According to The Guardian, Sally Collier, chief executive of Ofqual, is expected to appear before the education select committee next month to face questions about this year's grading system. By Heather Stewart, Sally Weale and Kate Proctor.

 

Exam results 2020: School leaders respond

 

Magnus Bashaarat, head of Bedales School, writes in The Telegraph arguing the implementation of teacher assessments alongside terminal examinations would be "a fair, accurate and accountable way of measuring pupil achievement" going forward.

Sarah Raffray, headteacher at St Augustine's Priory, writes to The Telegraph arguing against use of the term grade inflation, saying the efforts of teachers and centres to calculate grades "must not be undermined". The letter is the third featured on the page.

An article in Tes reports on the response of teachers to claims that they graded their pupils too generously. By Dave Speck. The article quotes David James, deputy head (academic) of Bryanston School.

Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association, writes in The Telegraph arguing "this Covid Cohort may well turn out to be one of our finest generations".

 

Year 11 results: Heads raise concerns over unusually high grades

 

The Guardian reports some headteachers are considering appeals against unusually high GCSE results awarded to their pupils this year. By Sally Weale, Richard Adams and Caelainn Barr.

The Telegraph reports on figures which suggest GCSE subjects with the smallest cohorts saw the largest increases in top grades. By Camilla Turner, Dominic Gilbert and Alex Clark. The article quotes Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association.

According to an article in Tes, Ofqual has confirmed pupils will not be able to appeal their centre assessment grades unless they have "evidence of bias or that they were discriminated against in the grading process". By Catherine Lough.

The Times reports sixth form colleges have called for more government funding, with many revealing an increase in demand for places following the publication of GCSE results yesterday. By Nicola Woolcock and Rosemary Bennett.

The Times reports on concerns that delays to BTEC results could jeopardise students' chances of getting into their preferred university. By Rosemary Bennett.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, writes in Tes reflecting on this year's GCSE results.

 

Year 13 results: Students to be offered a place at their first choice university following government U-turn

 

Universities minister Michelle Donelan has confirmed "all students who achieved the required grades will be offered a place at their first choice university", though some may have to defer until next year. By Judith Burns, BBC News.

According to The Independent, Ms Donelan has written to university vice-chancellors asking them to "try to prioritise those from disadvantaged backgrounds for admission this year". By Eleanor Busby and Benjamin Cooper.

An article in iNews reports universities are set to receive additional funding to provide extra places on high cost courses, such as chemistry and physics. By Will Hazell.

According to new figures released yesterday, the overall pass rate at A-level in England rose to an all-time high of 99.7 per cent this year. By Robert Mendick and Dominic Gilbert, The Telegraph.

 

Coronavirus: Guidance on face coverings in Scotland's schools 'could change in the near future'

 

First minister Nicola Sturgeon has suggested face coverings could become compulsory in schools in Scotland, as public health experts say the measure should not be ruled out. By Neil Pooran and Lucinda Cameron, The Times.

The Mail reports Harrow School is set to launch an online sixth form, allowing students across the world to study A-levels remotely. By Monica Greep. The article quotes Heather Rhodes, the online school's principal, and mentions several other schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations.

Ben Evans, headmaster of Windlesham House School, writes in Independent Education Today arguing "empathy and collaboration" are key as independent schools move forward post-lockdown.

 

 

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