It has been said many times, and undoubtedly, it will be said many more times, but 2020 has been a truly exceptional year. The impact of COVID-19 virus has reached all aspects of our society locally, nationally and internationally.
Updated 17th August 2020 to include:
- Updated statement about the A Level results and the appeals process
At Shrewsbury Colleges Group, we have seen our students have had to make many adjustments to the way that they have engaged with the College, their teachers and their friends.
We are genuinely proud of the efforts that our students have made with their education and their contribution that a large proportion has made to their local communities. Many students will be, and should be, proud of the grades they have been awarded. They reflect the hard work and commitment they put into their studies. These achievements are also the result of the excellent teaching and support they have received, both at college and in their previous schools, and the support of their families. Well done to everyone on all the successes.
However, the College has been impacted by the controversial standardisation of results approach adopted by the results award regulator, Ofqual. It is critically important that the statistical method used to award grades does not disadvantage individual students, which was the promise made by the government when the decision was taken to cancel exams this summer.
The Secretary of State for Education announced on Wednesday 12th August that there would be a ‘Triple Lock’ applied to give students increased security as they receive their grades this year. Students will be able to accept their calculated grades or appeal to receive a valid mock result or sit autumn exams. All of these options will carry the same value for universities and employers. Students who would like to use a valid mock result will be able to do so through the appeals process. They will need to notify the College who in turn will provide evidence of the mock results of the student to the relevant exam board.
Appeals Process Update
Following the release and then subsequent withdrawal of Ofqual guidance to colleges about the A Level grading appeals process on Saturday 15th August 2020, the college would like to confirm the following.
We will continue to work with our students to ensure that they achieve the best possible outcomes to allow them to progress onto university, apprenticeship and employment.
Currently, there is not a clear process for appealing the awarded grades issued on Thursday 13th August. Ofqual released appeals guidance to colleges on Saturday afternoon, but this guidance was then withdrawn just before midnight on Saturday. We have not had any further information from Ofqual at this time.
Once the appeals process has been advised to the college by Ofqual or the Department for Education, we will communicate directly to students via the website and email to outline the next steps. In anticipation of the likely approach to the appeals, we have issued the colleges’ Centre Assessed Grading (CAGs) to students’ Pro-Portal on Friday 14th August.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a frequently asked questions section about course results and next steps available here and arrangements are detailed below.
Ofqual Support
Ofqual has provided additional resources to support students and parents/carers at this time. These resources can be accessed as detailed below:
• General guidance for students who are receiving their qualifications this summer
• Student guide to post-16 qualification results
• Guide for students on appeals and malpractice or maladministration complaints in summer 2020
The exam results helpline
The exam results helpline will be available from 12th to 28th August to provide additional support to students and their parents/carers as they receive their exam results.
The helpline will have direct access to experienced careers advisers who can give guidance on the different options available to them including A Levels, BTECs and other vocational subjects.
Support will also be available on topics such as clearing, university, gap years and the autumn 2020 exam series.
Phone: 0800 100 900
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm
Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs)
We have made available to students the Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs) that we had submitted to Ofqual for A Level students and these will be available on students’ Pro-Portal from Friday 14th August.