Education Return and Awarding Qualifications in 2021

The Prime Minister announced a cautious road map allowing children to return to school from Monday 8 March. Schools will be issued detailed guidance regarding safety measures including testing and face coverings, with over 4 million tests already completed across educational settings. A £302 million recovery premium is being introduced for state primary and secondary schools to support pupils who need it most, expanding tutoring programmes and funding summer schools. The assessment system has been adjusted for GCSEs, AS and A-level exams to ensure fairness based on teacher assessments.

Joined the Secretary of State in paying tribute to education staff. Criticised the Government for failing to secure adequate measures such as vaccinating school staff, revising funding, considering rota teaching, and providing Nightingale classrooms. Raised concerns about delayed exam guidance and its impact on young people's uncertainty. Questioned why the Secretary of State only trusts teachers when they are responsible for exams. Demanded a comprehensive recovery strategy to close the attainment gap but pointed out that the current plan is insufficient.

Thanked Kate Green for her questions and stated that JCVI will review vaccination needs. Rejected rota teaching as a solution to reducing transmission of the virus. Stressed the importance of full-time education in classrooms. Emphasised the successful roll-out of testing in schools. Acknowledged concerns about grade inflation and emphasised internal and external quality assurance checks on grading.

Complimented the Secretary of State's £1.7 billion catch-up programme but expressed concern over potential grade inflation due to centre-assessed grades for exams. Asked about plans to ensure meaningful grading and reverse inflation, questioning the rationale behind not pegging this year’s grades to 2019 or 2020.

Inquired about specific guidance regarding factors such as home conditions and access to IT equipment in assessing students' work during the pandemic.

Asked the Secretary of State for scientific evidence regarding the risk level faced by teachers returning to classrooms, noting differing messages from medical professionals compared to teaching unions.

Raises concerns about sending children back to school en masse, citing scientific consensus that advises a phased return. Notes staff fears regarding health and safety measures.

Welcomes the statement but highlights logistical challenges for further education colleges in implementing testing programmes and requests flexible support from the Department of Education.

Acknowledges teachers' hard work during the pandemic and raises concerns about school testing roll-out. Requests additional support for schools facing logistical challenges.

Questions the adequacy of spending commitments to children's recovery, suggesting a more generous package is needed focusing on wellbeing and emotional recovery as well as education.

Asks about discussions with fee-paying schools regarding catch-up provisions and guidance for appropriate support during the pandemic.

Critiques the lack of detailed exam guidance and concerns over lost learning, quality assurance processes, and grading support. Calls for immediate detailed guidance to prevent another shambolic situation.

Advocates for a shorter summer break based on statistical benefits, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, to help catch up from lost face-to-face learning during the pandemic.

Expresses concern over safety measures in schools reopening and requests assurances that education staff are prioritised for vaccination.

Asked about extra support for children with dyslexia and other learning needs to catch up and reach their potential.

Questioned the government's decision to reopen schools fully, citing scientific advice against a full reopening due to increased risk of virus transmission.

Inquired about support for apprenticeships during the pandemic and access to necessary courses.

Asked the Secretary of State how much he thinks a teacher gets paid, questioning the £6,000 figure mentioned earlier in discussions about hiring more staff.

Welcomed the announcement regarding vocational and technical exams for students at Petroc FE college.

Asked about additional support for FE colleges dealing with underfunding and disrupted learning periods due to the pandemic.

Inquired about the impact of wearing face coverings on teaching and learning effectiveness, seeking scientific evidence behind this requirement.

Expressed concern for adult learners in further education colleges, especially those on trade courses that cannot be delivered remotely, questioning the catch-up support available.

Asked for details about GCSE examinations in summer 2022 to reassure students and parents.

Complained about the treatment of university students during the pandemic, urging rent refunds and relief, and calling for an end to marketized higher education.

Thanked the Secretary of State for reopening schools and asked about assessments to prevent grade inflation, also suggesting removing face masks by Easter.

Asked the Secretary of State for clarification on the use of fines, particularly in cases where parents are immune-compromised and worried about their children bringing coronavirus into the home. Emphasised that there is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine works for this group. Cited an example of a parent being told by a school that she had to prioritise her daughter’s education despite her health concerns.

Agreed that the language mentioned was unacceptable. Stated that schools generally show compassion and understanding. Offered to have the Minister for School Standards meet with Layla Moran to discuss the issue further. Highlighted that since September, schools have applied fines while also showing discretion in working with families to minimise risks.