North East Herts MP, Oliver Heald, is pressing Ministers for the A level marking system to be changed following heartfelt pleas from local parents and schools. Oliver has been contacted by many families affected adversely by the Ofqual algorithm and particularly at schools and colleges with large 6th forms.

The algorithm was introduced because teachers’ assessments in the past have produced grade inflation, but it seems clear that the algorithm has favoured some schools and colleges over others and the system needs to be changed immediately.

Commenting Oliver said, “I feel great sympathy for the students who have been disappointed by their results. Although teachers’ assessments alone can lead to grade inflation, it seems that the Ofqual algorithm is a blunt instrument and has adversely affected schools and colleges with large 6th forms. I am pressing the government to urgently make changes to the system and am also advising all students to work with their schools and colleges on appeals where they feel an injustice has been done. This demonstrates the importance of holding public exams and how hard it is to devise a system anywhere near as good.”