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Gavin Williamson Confirms Teacher Assessments Will Replace GCSE And A Level Exams

Gavin Williamson Confirms Teacher Assessments Will Replace GCSE And A Level Exams

They'll be replaced by teacher assessments

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The UK's Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed that the GCSE, A Level, and AS Level exams will not take place this summer, and will be replaced by teacher assessments.

Williamson set out his plans as MPs prepare to vote on the third national English lockdown in the House of Commons.

The government has been criticised for their approach to schools during this difficult period of the pandemic, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson appearing on BBC's The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday (3 January) arguing that schools must stay open, before announcing they were to close on Monday evening after the first day of term.

It had already been announced that exams would not be taking place, but Williamson has now delivered his plan to replace them with teacher assessments.

Addressing the House of Commons earlier today, Williamson said that while closing schools was the 'last thing' he wanted to do, it was 'essential' to help slow the spread of the virus.

He said: "Although exams are the fairest way we have of assessing what a student knows, the impact of this pandemic now means that it is not possible to have these exams this year.

"I can now confirm that GCSE, A Level, and AS Level exams will not go ahead this summer. This year we are going to put our trust in teachers rather than algorithms."

Williamson added: "I can confirm now that I wish to use a form of teacher assessed grade with training and support provided to ensure these are awarded consistently and fairly across the country."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Politics