Almost a third (32%) of A Level students at Ilkley Grammar School have seen their grades downgraded as a result the Government algorithm-based process.
Following the most unprecedented of years where A Level exams were cancelled due to Covid-19, IGS students received their calculated grades from the exam boards on Thursday.
The vast majority of students have secured grades which have enabled them to move on to their next step at university or other destination, however some have received calculated grades which are not reflective of their teachers’ assessed grades as a result of the national standardisation process.
The school said it will continue to support those students and families in trying to make sense of the process and outcomes whilst details from Ofqual about the ‘valid mock results’ appeals process is known. Early analysis at IGS indicates they expect to see an improved grade in approximately 20% of cases.
Helen Williams, Headteacher said, “The last few months have not been easy, and we know just how frustrating and worrying the last few days and weeks have been as we awaited the outcome of the calculated grades process.
We are all so proud of the way our Year 13 students have handled themselves over these last few months throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and we congratulate everyone for their efforts and hard work throughout their studies. This has seen the vast majority be able to move on to their chosen destinations, despite the uncertainty and volatility of this year’s results process.
I want to take the opportunity to thank our staff for their tireless work and dedication as always, in supporting students, as well as to thank our parents, especially this year, who have provided ongoing support for both the school and our students.
Although IGS’s overall results are broadly in line with previous years’, we were expecting even better results this year. Some of the individual grade outcomes that we have seen following the exam board standardisation process are disconcerting and unwarranted and we are now working hard as a school to determine the cases where we feel we have strong grounds for appeal, at both an individual and subject level. We will continue to support students and families over the coming days and weeks in dealing with the unexpected turmoil and negative impact that some of these results have brought.
We wish all the very best to the class of 2020 as they move on to their next steps - you should be very proud of yourselves!”