Students worried employers will see teacher assessed grades as ‘fake'

Ofqual has been speaking to students that are preparing to receive grades next month about their concerns.

In a blog revealing its findings, Ofqual reports that students had worries around grades being seen differently by others in the future. They were concerned that universities would be less likely to accept them, or that employers see them as ‘fake grades’.

To this, Ofqual says: "It’s important to understand that everyone is in the same situation, and that all the organisations that deal with exam results (colleges, universities, employers) are aware of the system this year and will not treat you or your grades differently because of how they were awarded."

Some students also revealed that they thought that their teachers might not know them well enough to give them a grade, or might even mix them up with someone else in the class. Others worried that teachers might be biased towards different students.

There were also concerns around the process and worries that grades might be put into the system wrong, or that they wouldn’t be checked.

Regarding this, Ofqual said: "It’s important to remember that schools, colleges and exam boards are all involved in checking grades to make sure they are accurate for students, and consistent across schools. This year there has been time to plan in advance, and to learn from how things were done last year.

"It might also help you feel better to understand how grades have been awarded this year and know that if you think a mistake has been made, you can appeal."