The Government’s lack of clarity on how this year’s GCSEs, BTECs and A-Levels will be graded this year is completely unacceptable and I know it is causing huge anxiety and distress for young people across my constituency. Without guidance on how teachers will assess grades and what content will be assessed, students are unable to revise over half term whilst teacher are unable to plan properly for the coming term.

It is deeply disappointing that the Government failed to learn the lessons from last summer’s exam fiasco. Whilst everyone hoped that schools would be able to safely remain open, it has been clear for months that exams may not be able to go ahead this summer.  The Government should have had alternative plans in place much earlier, to give clarity to students and teachers.

The Department for Education’s consultation on this year’s examinations has closed last month. It is essential that students are given clarity as soon as possible but Ministers’ responses to my questions in Parliament suggest that this will not be until the end of February. This is far too late, the on-going delay is taking a huge toll on young people’s mental health and risks damaging their future.  I have written to Gavin Williamson MP to urge him to publish the final plan for exams as soon as possible.  You can see my letter below>>