Sheffield school leaders welcome extra measures for exams - but say they don't go far enough

Pupils in England sitting GCSEs and A-levels next summer will be given advance notice of topics and allowed to take in exam aids – like formula sheets – as part of a package of measures to compensate for the disruption to their schooling during the pandemic.

The government’s long-awaited announcement also promises more generous grades, in line with the significantly improved results from summer 2020, and additional “backup” exams in July for those miss main exams or assessments for Covid-related reasons.

School leaders in Sheffield welcomed the news, but some have expressed concerns about disparities in learning within the cohort.

Paul Haigh, headteacher at King Ecgbert School, said: “The concessions announced go a long way to make appropriate adjustments for the very disrupted GCSE and A-Level courses that have impacted both years of teaching and I welcome them. But they do not address the biggest issue- the lack of a level playing field nationally next summer.

"Exams are run on a standardised national model for all students, but the impact on the virus has not been the same across the country. Some of our students at King Ecgbert School have been contact traced three times now and have spent almost as much time at home this term learning remotely as in school.”

Mr Haigh said “almost half” of King Ecgbert students had been sent home this term due to track and trace.

He added: "Whereas in other regions of the south, according to the Association of School and College Leaders, some schools have had barely any disruption this term. The changes to exams will give those school’s students a boost they do not need as much as some already disadvantaged students in the midlands and north.

"This area is still being discussed by DfE and Ofqual and we are keen to see arrangements put in place that will mean already disadvantaged students aren’t treated unfairly next summer by them not getting the help they deserve. If that is resolved I will be very happy with the proposals.”

David Dennis, CEO of Tapton School Academy Trust – which runs four secondary schools in Sheffield – said: “We are very pleased that government has recognised the challenges facing students and schools in awarding grades this year.

"I welcome the revisions made to take into account lost learning and ensure that this cohort does not suffer because of the pandemic.

“However, I remain concerned that the processes will not take into account the individual experiences of all the students and hence will not be fair for every single student.

“We have been extremely impressed by the resilience and determination shown by our students and staff, and the trust will continue to support and do all that it can to ensure that our children do realise their life chances and dreams.”

The Department for Education (DfE) is establishing an advisory group to look more closely at differential learning experiences and the variation in the impact of the Covid pandemic on pupils across the country.

Dean Jones, Principal of Firth Park Academy said: “The Government’s announcement on exams is welcome – exams are the fairest way of allowing our students to show what they have learnt and what they know.

"Clearly the impact of Covid has been significant, and it is encouraging to see the Government has recognised that with the package of fairness measures that have been announced. We look forward to seeing more detail in January, but the announcement gives certainty to our students and our staff.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to support our students as they prepare for the exams and their life beyond Firth Park.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.