"In 2021, we must ensure that grades and qualifications are directly based on the actual performance of the individual student. CST favours exams as the fairest way of assessing and awarding qualifications, but given the recent warnings from the chief medical officer and chief scientific officer it would be injudicious not to set out clearly how significant disruption to exams and learning itself can be mitigated in the year ahead.
"We therefore welcome the Secretary of State’s statement that exams next year will be supported by contingencies for all scenarios. CST has published a statement which proposes a risk-based approach to exams next year. We will work with the Department for Education and the exams regulator, Ofqual, as they develop contingency plans.
"There is an urgency to let young people in Year 11 and Year 13 know the exact arrangements for exams next summer, but this needs to be balanced with ensuring that these arrangements are based on the best evidence and will stand the test of time.
"It is now inevitable that there will be significant unevenness of learning as we see more schools close or partially close. Some will face multiple closures and time out of the classroom for pupils will be uneven across the country – quite likely to be exacerbated in those areas of the country where there is greatest economic disadvantage.
"No examination system can fully reverse the differential loss caused by this unevenness, so mitigation strategies must be focused at both assessment and teaching and learning. While schools and trusts will provide good quality remote education, we know that nothing replaces the classroom.”
