Pupils in Flintshire get GCSE results and they won’t be downgraded

Pupils across Flintshire will receive their GCSE results later – and they won’t be downgraded.

It’s been a week of turmoil for learners in Wales after a U-turn which saw A-level students awarded the grades predicted for them by their teachers

The Welsh Government announced the decision on Monday in the wake of mounting criticism after the standardisation process and the much talked about ‘algorithm’ marked down around 42 per cent of A-level grades forecast by educators when results were published last week.

The six North Wales council education cabinet members had earlier published a joint statement stating they had “no confidence” in the system used to calculate the results.

Education secretary Kirsty Williams announced that GCSE results – like A-Level’s will now be based on teacher assessment grades.

She also issued an “unreserved apology” to students for the chaos caused over the past week.

Ms Williams said on Monday: “For our young people, and indeed, everyone in Wales, the last few months have been and continue to be a stressful time. It’s been a time of anguish for people right across the country.

“And I am sorry, that for some of our young people, the results process has made that worse.

“That was not the intention of anyone, not for me, not Qualifications Wales, not the WJEC.

“But it is right, that I apologise directly and unreservedly to our young people. I am truly sorry.”

BTEC students won’t now receive their results today, exam board Pearson announced last night it was recalling all their results for remarking.

The move will affect around 575,000 pupils in the UK and includes  250,000 who received their grades last week.

Those receiving WJEC BTEC awards will not be affected by Pearson’s decision.

Education Minister, Kirsty Williams said this morning, “I want to send my very best wishes to everyone who receives their results today.

“Due to the many changes we’ve had to make this year in exceptional circumstances, you’ve had to make many sacrifices.

“It has been a year like no other, and today will feel a bit different.

“These results are a reflection and reward for your hard work, prior attainment in exams, and school assessment, so you should be very proud of what you have achieved.

“I hope you get the grades you’d hoped for, and you can continue with your journey in the autumn, whether this is onto college, apprenticeship or staying on at school.

“Although many of you will be pleased with your results and excited for your next step, if you didn’t get what you’d hoped, there’s plenty of options & advice on Working Wales.

“Best of luck, and best wishes for the future.”