Summer 2021 Examinations cancelled
Following a public consultation in January 2021, the Government and Ofqual announced that the Summer examinations for GCSE, AS and A Level will be cancelled and replaced with teacher assessed grades.
This decision was taken due to the disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. These situations meant that students lost much face-to-face teaching (which was replaced with a degree of remote learning). These measures impacted all students, and it was decided that examinations would not be fair due to the disruption.
Ofqual has issued guidance on how grades are to be determined for all students. Private candidates have been dealt with separately.
Guidance for teachers in assessing their student’s grades using evidence in the form of:
- assessments provided by the exam board, including exam questions, past papers, practice or sample papers.
- coursework, even if this has not been fully completed.
- any test taken in class
- substantial class or homework (including work done during remote learning)
- any mock exams taken.
- records of your capability and performance during the course in performance-based subjects like music, drama and PE.
- records of student’ progress and performance over the course of study.
Students will not have to sit formal exams or full exam papers rather, short topic based papers will be given as part of the assessment.
Ofqual has published guidance to students and parents
Results: GCSE AS and A Level fees will be published early:
GCSE 10th August
AS and A Level 12th August
Private Candidates:
- students who have chosen to be home educated
- Independent adult learners
- Individuals who are alternatively educated
The deadline for Private Candidates has been extended from 21st February to 26th April. This gives them the opportunity to search for an examination centre willing to give them an assessed grade.
A separate guidance has been published by DfE and Ofqual specifically for Private Candidates.
Private candidates may choose to have an assessed grade if their university place could be in jeopardy.
All students who have been assessed will have the opportunity to appeal.
The DfE have also consulted on an Autumn exam series in 2021 which appears to be going ahead.