Schools across the country scrambled to appeal against results that left some of their top pupils missing out on places at the best universities. Candidates were distraught after two fifths of assessments by teachers were downgraded by a computer algorithm created by Ofqual, the exam regulator. Gavin Williamson: “We will not change our system”Private schools, academy chains and sixth-form colleges turned on Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, urging him to address the unfairness urgently. Backbench Tories were also up in arms over his handling of the exams, with one calling it shambolic. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, defended the appeals system in the face of criticism from party colleagues.

Source: The Times August 13, 2020 23:06 UTC