Proposals to make 2021 exams fair made by Social Mobility Commission

The Social Mobility Commission is contributing to the planning process being led by the Department for Education and Ofqual, on next year’s examinations in the light of the ongoing pandemic.

Due to the widening achievement gap in the nation’s schools and that the impact of coronavirus on pupils in areas of deprivation, the Social Mobility Commission has made the following recommendations:

Suspend school performance tables for 2021, as they fail to take account of the disproportionate learning loss experienced by students in areas of deprivation.

Work with schools and colleges to develop a clear and consistent system for collecting centre assessed grades that can be used as a contingency measure if individual students are unable to take exams.

Offer students the opportunity to take exams in Autumn 2021, without this being considered a ‘resit’. The results would need to be made available in time for UCAS applications for 2022 entry.

Support schools with extra resources, such as additional staff and venues, so that they can provide Covid-secure examination environments.

Sasha Morgan, director of the Social Mobility Commission, says: “We are delighted to make an effective contribution to the debate and be part of the solution. Incorporation of our recommendations will ensure that disadvantaged students have the best possible experience next summer.”

Sammy Wright, a Social Mobility commissioner and Lead for Schools and Higher Education, has prepared a detailed statement setting out our advice.

He said: “2020 has revealed much of what is problematic about our examinations and qualifications system, so we are pleased to get involved in planning practical solutions for 2021.

“We will continue to work closely with the Department for Education, Ofqual, schools, colleges, and social mobility charities to refine these concepts over the next few months.”