Statement on A level and GCSE results (Response to DfE (England) and Ofqual)

Following the release of A and AS level results on Thursday 13 August, schools have been requesting clarity from Ofqual, the exams regulator, about how students and schools can appeal grades that were awarded from the exam boards. The BSN chose, in the spirit of transparency, to make the Exam Board Awarded Results (EBAR), the Centre Assessed Grade (CAG - the one submitted by teachers) and the Mock exam grade available to students.

I know that many students and parents were disappointed to find that EBARs may have been lower than their CAGs and the BSN has been active in lobbying for CAGs to be the single reported official grade.

A statement has been released from the Department for Education in England and Ofqual at 17:00 Netherlands time today, stating that CAGs will now be the official exam board grade in all subjects for both A levels and GCSE results.

Students who received their A levels results last week and whose EBAR was lower than the CAG will now see those grades revised. Any student whose EBAR was higher than their CAG will keep the higher grade. The Sixth Form and Careers teams will now work through the implications for students whose grades will be adjusted and we will be in touch by email with individuals as a matter of urgency.

In the meantime, students are strongly advised to contact their universities to confirm their place where previously they had missed their offer.

For most students who have requested an appeal against a lower grade, this welcome news will mean that appeal is no longer necessary. We are waiting to hear about whether appeals based on Mock grades will still be allowed.

With regard to GCSEs, grades will be distributed as expected on Thursday. CAGs will be used to support discussions with students, where necessary, with regard to Sixth Form subjects and pathways.

We fully understand this has been a distressing time for some students and parents. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Paul Topping
Headteacher Senior School Voorschoten and The British School in The Netherlands' Executive Leader