The Department for Education has recently announced a "triple lock" on forthcoming A-level and GCSE results, meaning grades could be based on the mock exam results of students, rather than predicted grades as was formerly the plan. Pupils could receive whichever result is highest from estimated grades - either mocks or predicted grades.
Mock exams will impact A-level and GCSE results (announced August 13 and 20 respectively) in England and Northern Ireland, alongside factors such as how pupils are ranked on ability and the share of grades that their schools and colleges have achieved in recent years. The change means that if pupils get an estimated grade lower than their mock exam they can appeal - but this will have to be through their school, with the terms for approving appeals being currently decided by Ofqual.
So what options are available to students? The first option is to use the standardised grade that all students are getting. The second option is for students to appeal their grades using a grade from mock exams earlier in the year. The third option is to re-sit exams in October.
If students do choose to appeal their grades, their mock exams will have to reach a parameter of a "valid" mock, which is to be set by Ofqual. Schools use a variety of different mock exam methods. For example, many students will be able to see the testing material prior to the exam in order for preparation, whilst other schools are more strict about their mock processes.
General secretary of Association of School and College Leaders, Geoff Barton, said the plan creates the risk of "massive inconsistency" across the country.
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