Here are a few things to consider in advance of the results days:
Appealing grades and remarks will be more challenging this year. Normally, exam papers can be re-marked for a fee. As there were no exams this year, there is no opportunity for appealing grades. A student may feel disappointed by their calculated grade and may feel that their school or college has unfairly ranked them. Ofqual has advised that appeals can be only made if a student thinks that their school or college made an administrative mistake or if a student has clear evidence that they were discriminated against.
To read the information given by Ofqual on the arrangements for exam grading and assessment in 2020, click here.
Therefore we advise you to be prepared for all possible outcomes in terms of results. It is easier to make sensible decisions if they have been thought out in advance. Consider discussing all the options available for next steps and keep an open mind about different opportunities.
Re-sit exams will take place in November. This means that anyone taking re-sit exams will not be able to attend university in Autumn 2020 or use those grades for entry into a sixth form or college in Autumn 2020. The school or college that a student would have sat their exams in the summer has a responsibility to enter them for any re-sit exams.
To read the information given by the Department for Education on the responsibility for schools or colleges for the November 2020 re-sit exams, click here.
It will be a difficult decision for families to decide if re-taking is the best option or not. It can be particularly tough if results were lower than anticipated; it is advised that you therefore consider the following before making any decisions:
• How will the student prepare for re-sit exams after eight months of not being at school? Will they do better than the grade awarded?
• What were the circumstances that led to the school or college suggesting that the grade submitted was correct?
• What will the student do once the exams are completed?
University places for 2021 will be particularly competitive given the impact of Covid-19 on 2020 admissions. Some universities have expressed that they will modify their courses for 2020 and offer courses online. It is important to note that some students who would have started university in 2020 may be requesting the opportunity to defer their entry to university. Other students may choose to take a gap year this year and re-sit exams because of how the grades were awarded.
This means that there is a strong chance that offers will be more generous this year and the possibility that they will be more competitive next year. As such, we advise that you consider all options available before making any final decisions. Students looking to enter university in Autumn 2020 should look at clearing options now.
Update 13th August - A Level Results Day Update
The Department for Education has issued a statement which has indicated that mock grades made be used as a basis of appealing a calculated grade. The full statement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/triple-lock-for-students-ahead-of-a-l...
As schools carry out mock grades at different times and use different approaches Ofqual are devising a system which can be used fairly and what evidence can be used. The full statement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/response-to-the-secretary-of-states-a...
Students can request their centre assessed grade and their mock grade and decide if there may be grounds to make an appeal. We would highlight that we do not know how long the process will take, and what is required from the process. Because of this the advice remains to use the calculated grades issued to secure the best possible destination.
If your results do not meet the entry requirements for your university place, it is worth phoning the university (and others that you had offers from) to see if they can still offer you a place. Information on the Clearing process can be found at: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/results-clearing
Update 17th August - A Level Results Update
Jamati members are advised that A-Level students will now be awarded their Centre Assessed Grade, and if their Centre Assessed Grade was lower than the calculated grade, the higher grade will be awarded. Please note that this is not the mock grade given as originally suggested by the Department for Education but the grade the school thought were the most likely grade the student would achieve.
UCAS and Ofqual are working together to determine the swiftest way for universities to access the updated grades. This may take a few days.
If you missed offers from your first choice or insurance choice universities, the AKEB would advise that you contact the universities and see if they can accommodate you on the course.
Please also use this time to see if you qualify for different courses or other institutions by looking at clearing and ensuring that you have access to the best possible course at a quality university.
This may be a very stressful time and the AKEB is here to help. We can support you with clearing, adjustment or connecting you with other Jamati institutions that may be able to support with wider emotional support. If you have any questions or would like more information on considering options, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing [email protected].
