Medway Labour and Cooperative Group today condemned government chaos over the release of A level results. With shocking government ineptitude, and using an examination results algorithm which was clearly not evaluated, nearly 40% of students lost out in results vital for their next step in life.
Less than 12 hours before the A-level results were due to be published, the Government announced last-minute changes to the calculation of grades, allowing students to take a mock result if higher than the grades received from exam boards.
Government chaos has continued since last Thursday’s release of results, with the Secretary of State forced to apologise and the Prime Minister insisting against all evidence that the results were robust.
Councillor Clive Johnson, Medway Labour Spokesperson for Children’s Services stated that, “I would like to extend my congratulations to the outstanding efforts of our students and teachers who have worked incredibly hard in unprecedented circumstances.
“However, it is shocking that so much hard work has been betrayed by those who run the examination system and by the government. Gavin Williamson has had months to ensure this year’s results are as fair to our young people. Those same young people have faced so much additional stress as a result of the Covid 19 lockdown. It is desperately sad to see so many of our young people put through even more at a time when they need to be confident about their future.
“The last-minute changes established prior to results day were nothing short of chaotic, and it is outrageous that our young people were put through even more uncertainty.
“These young people have fallen victim to a spectacular mishandling by Government during this crisis. It is absolutely vital that the government takes urgent steps to ensure the chaos is not repeated with this week’s GCSE results.”
Councillor Vince Maple, Leader of Medway and Co-operative Group added, “This has been a tough year and really difficult circumstances for students, and I commend the exceptional efforts of young people in Medway continuing to work hard under such adversity.
“This process has been mired in confusion and the last-minute decisions taken by the Government have only exacerbated this. Following the cancellation of examinations, this was always going to be a difficult process – however one that should have been dealt with months ago.
“Efforts by the Government to paper over the cracks of this system show a disregard for the hard work of students up and down the country. I call on the responsible Portfolio Holders on Medway Council to explain whether they have confidence with A Level results, what they have done to support Medway’s young people at this difficult time, and what efforts they have made to determine the impact of this debacle on Medway schools.”