Expected Drop in Grades
Pupils across the UK are preparing for a decrease in their A-level grades today as the education system returns to pre-pandemic marking. With exams replacing teacher assessments, as few as a fifth of students are likely to achieve their predicted grades.
Fair Comparison or Unfair to Disadvantaged Pupils?
Ministers argue that reverting to 2019 standards allows for a fair comparison of students' performance over the years. Teachers were more generous in their marking in 2020 and 2021, with a fifth of papers being awarded the top grade of A*. However, there are concerns that this grade deflation will disproportionately affect disadvantaged pupils, who missed more school during the lockdown.
Call for Universities to Be Mindful of Disadvantaged Students
Schools minister Nick Gibb has called on universities and colleges to consider the challenges faced by disadvantaged students when awarding places. It is important to ensure that these students are not unfairly disadvantaged due to the changes in grading.
Advice for Pupils: Have a Back-up Plan
Vivienne Stern, of Universities UK, has advised A-level students to have a backup plan in case they do not achieve their desired grades. With fierce competition and limited spaces, students rejected from their first-choice universities will have to scramble for the roughly 30,000 courses available through clearing.
Competition from Overseas Students
There are concerns that UK students may lose out to overseas students in the clearing process. Some universities have encouraged international students, who pay higher fees, to secure clearing places before the A-level results are even released.
T-level Results also Released
This week, over 4,000 students will also receive their T-level technical qualification results. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan expressed confidence that many students will obtain the results they need to pursue their desired paths, whether it be university, an apprenticeship, or the world of work.
