Today (Mon 12 July) the government launches a short consultation on proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2022.

Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “This consultation is necessary but yet another demonstration that the government is way behind the curve when it comes to the impact of the pandemic on education.

“In reality, all of this should have been put to bed weeks, if not months, ago. We are only days away from the end of term. School leaders wanted decisions for adaptations and contingencies made before the summer break, with details before the start of term in September, not least because August will be a busy month supporting students with their results and working on reviews and appeals.

“Staff and students preparing for exams in 2022 have endured significant disruption to teaching and learning over the course of the last year. While we hope next academic year won’t see the same levels of disruption, learning time has been lost. Giving students what is effectively a broad revision list just a few weeks before exams begin will not ensure fairness for all students taking their exams next year. Such late information could serve to advantage those students who have not experienced so much disruption as opposed to supporting those students who have had most.”

Commenting on the decision not to consult on contingency plans until the Autumn, Mr Brook said: “Delaying the decisions about contingency plans until later in the autumn term will feed uncertainty and stress for students and staff. They must be given some clarity about the “what ifs” in the year ahead. It is vital that the government learns from the late decisions and guidance this year which left school leaders and teachers with little more than half a term to implement the alternative awarding process.

“NAHT would like to see that school leaders and their teams are given the right information in time for the start of the autumn term. This will mean they can plan students’ teaching and learning over the time they have remaining, covering as much of the curriculum as possible, whilst also making sure that students are well prepared for their examinations.”