A-level results to be based on predicted grades after major government U-turn

A-level and GCSE results in England will now be awarded to students based on teachers’ predicted grades after a major government U-turn.

It comes after the government faced a revolt from Conservative MPs – including ministers Penny Mordaunt and Johnny Mercer – over the crisis which saw nearly 40% of A-level results downgraded as a result of exam regulator Ofqual’s algorithm aimed at standardising results.

The algorithm, used after exams were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic, has now been abandoned after widespread outrage since A-level results were released on Thursday. It appeared to unfairly hinder high-achieving students from lower-performing schools.

Announcing the U-turn on Monday, Ofqual admitted it had “caused real anguish and damaged public confidence”.

Chairman Roger Taylor said: “We have therefore decided that students be awarded their centre assessment for this summer – that is, the grade their school or college estimated was the grade they would most likely have achieved in their exam – or the moderated grade, whichever is higher.”

Tens of thousands of A-level students will now see their grades increased.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson, who is facing growing calls to resign, apologised in a statement for the “significant inconsistencies” in grading.

“I... hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve,” he added.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the “screeching U-turn” was a “victory” for those who had been impacted by the grading system.