ISC Daily News Summary

According to iNews, universities have raised their concerns about the implications of the recent U-turn on grades, with some institutions said to require "significant financial support from government to stabilise their finances". By Will Hazell.

The Independent reports universities are still waiting to receive teacher assessed grades from UCAS, leaving thousands of students unsure whether they will secure a place at their first choice. By Zoe Tidman. An article in The Times reports students could take legal action against universities if they are forced to defer the year. By Nicola Woolcock and Rosemary Bennett.

Health secretary Matt Hancock has said the Government is "absolutely looking at" lifting the cap on the number of places to study medicine. BBC News.

Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the ISC, has called for confirmation that teacher assessed grades cannot be appealed, adding "there is no one better equipped" than teachers to assess pupil performance. By Catherine Lough and Claudia Civinini, Tes.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has called for an independent inquiry to "rapidly establish exactly what went wrong" with this year's grading system. By Fraser Whieldon, Schools Week.

The Telegraph reports education charities have warned many students face a "lost year" due to the recent changes to the A-level grading process, with disadvantaged pupils expected to be hit the hardest. By Amy Jones.

According to The Times, Ofqual has paused a study into whether artificial intelligence software could be used to improve exam marking. By Ross Kempsell.

Speaking to The Telegraph, five school leavers explain how the A-level U-turn has impacted their future plans.

An anonymous school leader writes in Tes reflecting on the revised International Baccalaureate results, arguing the adjustments offer "little consolation" to students who have lost their university places.

Analysis from the FFT Education Datalab suggests this year's GCSE results will be higher in every subject than last year. By Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

Cambridge International has confirmed the IGCSE grades submitted for June 2020 "will not be lower than the predicted grade submitted by the school". By Catherine Lough, Tes.

Lord Blunkett has called for an "enormous expansion" to sixth forms amid concerns some GCSE students could be turned away from oversubscribed A-level courses. By Harry Yorke, The Telegraph.

The Telegraph features an article from Jane Lunnon, head of Wimbledon High School GDST, who offers advice to students ahead of GCSE results day.

The Times reports Pearson has said BTEC students who had their results downgraded will receive the grades originally predicted by their teachers. By Rosemary Bennett.

The Educational Institute for Scotland has written a letter to first minister Nicola Sturgeon highlighting "clear inconsistencies in Covid safety policy" for schools. By Henry Hepburn, Tes.

Tes reports Ms Sturgeon has said some schools in Scotland appear to be "too crowded", adding action will be taken to ensure "schools are being supported to comply with the guidance". By Henry Hepburn.

The Times reports Ms Sturgeon has said there is no evidence that the reopening of schools is responsible for an increase in infected children in Scotland, as contact tracing suggests they contracted the virus elsewhere. By Mark McLaughlin.

Scyld Berry writes in The Telegraph arguing England's cricket team could benefit from having more state-educated players.