Pupils across the UK are bracing themselves for a potential drop in their A-Level grades as exams return to pre-pandemic marking standards. It is expected that as few as one-fifth of students will achieve their predicted grades, as exams have now replaced teacher assessments.
Return to Pre-Covid Marking Sparks Concern
With the return to 2019 marking standards, ministers argue that this allows for a fair comparison of student performance over the years. Teachers were more lenient with their marking in 2020 and 2021, with a fifth of papers receiving A* grades. However, this move has raised concerns that disadvantaged students, who missed more school during lockdown, may be disproportionately affected by grade deflation.
Call for Universities to Prioritize Disadvantaged Students
Schools minister Nick Gibb has called on universities and colleges to be mindful of disadvantaged students when awarding places. Vivienne Stern, of Universities UK, has advised pupils to have a backup plan in case they fail to achieve their desired grades. This comes as many students who are rejected from their first-choice universities will now compete for the 30,000 available courses in clearing.
Concerns Over Competition from Overseas Students
There are growing fears that students may lose out to overseas applicants who pay higher fees, as some universities have encouraged them to secure clearing places before A-Level results are released. This development adds to the pressure faced by UK students hoping to secure places at top universities.
Focus on T-Level Technical Qualifications
In addition to A-Level results, more than 4,000 students are set to receive their T-Level technical qualification results this week. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has expressed optimism, stating that "thousands will get the results they need to take hold of their future, whether at university, through an apprenticeship, or in the world of work."
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/a-level-results-2023-massive-rush-for-clearing-places-as-acceptances-drop/
