Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

A-Levels: Covid-19

Monday 12 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial steps include changes to A-level assessment content and a delay in the exam timetable.
  • Ofqual confirmed changes to A-level content to address the disruption caused by the covid-19 outbreak.
  • The government is committed to supporting the 2021 cohort of A-level students to ensure they are not disadvantaged.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Henry Smith Con
Education
Context

The question arises due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in the 2020-21 academic year, affecting A-level exam procedures.

Question

What steps he is taking to help ensure fairness in A-level exams in the 2020-21 academic year following the disruption of the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Nick Gibb

Exams are the fairest form of assessment. Ofqual has confirmed changes to A-level assessment content, and we have announced today a short delay in the exam timetable to free up teaching time to ensure that exams remain a fair assessment for all.

Answered
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Q2 Henry Smith Con
Education
Context

Following the significant concessions made for A-level graduates this year due to the pandemic, concerns arise about the potential disadvantage of the 2021 cohort in terms of university placements.

Question

Significant concessions were understandably made for A-level graduates this year because of covid-19, but what plans are being developed to ensure that next year's A-level students are not disadvantaged in terms of university places?

Answer from Nick Gibb

The Government and universities understand what a difficult time young people have had. We are committed to working together to support the 2021 cohort: that is a key priority. We are also working with Ofqual and the exam boards to consider our approach to exams and assessments in 2021.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans and commitments regarding university places for next year's A-level students were not provided.

How: Working Together, Considering Approach

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