Anger Grows Over ‘Unfair’ A-Level Exam Grades; Schools Fear Backlash

Almost 40% of A-level exam grades given to students have been lower than estimates by teachers.

Following the A-level exam cancellations due to the coronavirus lockdowns, students’ grades were subject to a moderation process, the BBC reported. Many schools, universities and students are outraged at the results.

Thirty-six percent of student grades have been decreased by one grade in England, according to teachers’ predictions, and 3% of A-level exam grades were lowered by two grades.

Leaders of schools and universities are asking exams watchdog Ofqual to review the A-level exam grades for fairness. They say the appeal fees should be waived, as well.

However, overall A-level exam grades in England, Northern Ireland and Wales indicate peak numbers for A* and A grades: Overall, 9% of entries received A*, up from 7.8% last year, and 27.9% of entries were A* and A, up from 25.5% in 2019, the BBC reported.

According to Ofqual, private institutions in England have indicated the largest increase in A-level exam grades, The Guardian reported.

While some A-level exam grades have been boosted, many others have been lowered.

The chief executive of the Association of College David Hughes reported he has been in contact with many universities that say over 50% of the school assessment grades have been lowered after the moderation, according to the BBC.

A group of students at Wilberforce Sixth Form Academy in Hull is discouraged by their A-level exam grades, the BBC reported. Many students believe the moderation system is an “unfair” way to determine grades.

One frustrated student told the BBC she was rejected from her place at university after her grades have been lowered by the moderation system. 

If students received an approximated grade lower than the mock exam, they may be able to appeal the grade through their school, according to the BBC.

The terms for authorising appeals will be determined by Ofqual.

The A-level exam grades would be raised, but Ofqual has not yet announced if appeals will be approved. Ofqual issued a statement saying it is considering what evidence will be required for an appeal. 

“In designing the statistical model we took a number of decisions that work in students’ favour and mean that results overall will be no worse than previous years – and indeed slightly better,” an Ofqual spokesperson told the Guardian. “We are confident the model is the best possible under the circumstances. Following an early review of the data we expect the vast majority of grades students receive will be the same as their centre assessment grades, or within one grade.

“Students can appeal, through their school or college, if they believe an error has been made or that something has gone wrong in their case.” 

Similarly, in Scotland, students protested after their exam grades were lowered by a moderation system after exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Students and teachers protested the results of the exam grades for days.

The students felt the grades were unfairly given because they were lowered to match the previous years’ grades and not the students’ current abilities.

After the outcry, 75,000 students had their grades reinstated. It is possible that similar events could take place in other countries.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said if students feel like they have been subject to injustice over their A-level exam grades, there is a potential to appeal or re-sit the exam in autumn, according to the BBC.

Johnson said overall, the grades are “robust” and many students’ grades have been enhanced. More students will be able to have their first pick at a university of their choice. 

What do you think will be the outcome of this situation? Were your grades lowered unexpectedly? Let us know in the comments.

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