Everyone understands how challenging it has been for grading exams this year, and teachers across Blyth Valley have worked hard to provide grade assessments. In the past a difficult exam or poor performance on the day could explain dropping a predicated grade or two; it was tough, but understandable. After so much hard work in difficult unprecedented circumstances A-Level results day last week must have been extraordinarily distressing. I completely understand the huge amount of disappointment that some students across Blyth Valley are experiencing.
So many schools, students and parents have been left shocked. The situation is still evolving as the government comes to terms with the scale of the challenge, however it is unfair on some students in Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Valley to have received downgraded results due to their background and circumstances of their school.
I have written to the Department of Education to push for a solution as soon as possible.
Students who have received grades lower than their centre assessed expectation should immediately contact their school or college and ask for an appeal to be submitted, and talk about the possibility of resitting exams. Students who have missed the grades for their higher education offer are advised to contact their university directly even if they have received the automatic email of non-acceptance. Universities have committed to be flexible and most are considering a wide variety of factors in addition to the grade awarded.
- You may also wish to contact the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline for students who want advice on their next steps, including appeals and autumn exams. The helpline is free and will be open from until 28 August from 8 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week on 0800 100 900.
- You can also contact the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3344.
- You can read the full Government guidance on the results here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/your-results-what-next
I am committed to helping my constituents with this process if I can and I will publish any further guidance.
