Today (Mon 3 Aug) Ofqual has confirmed changes to GCSEs, AS and A levels next year.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Regrettably, these plans are essentially a case of ‘too little, too late’. NAHT believes these proposals are unambitious and do not go far enough. 

“Students have faced significant disruption to their learning this academic year. It is very likely that these students will also face some disruption to their learning in 2020/2021 with individuals or groups self-isolating, schools needing to close due to outbreaks of coronavirus and the possibility of local, and even national, lockdowns. 

“Part of the rationale for adapting assessments for summer 2021 must be to support young people’s wellbeing and mental health. Ofqual’s plans for next year don’t contain sufficient adaptations proposed to achieve this.

“Instead, schools and students are now being left in the unenviable position that they will be expected to cover as much content as possible in a reduced amount of time. This is unfair on students and it is unfair on schools and colleges.

“Furthermore, we still do not have a credible plan B in the event that these exams cannot go ahead in the way they currently envisage – this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk