GCSEs 2021: No change in grades standard, teachers told

Teachers should award GCSE and A-level grades in 2021 based on the same standard as previous years, Ofqual confirms

24th March 2021, 2:09pm

Gcses & A Levels 2021: Teachers Should Award Grades Based On The Same Standard As Previous Years, Says Ofqual

In its final guidance for the grading of GCSE and A-level students this year, Ofqual has said that teachers should ensure it is “no easier or harder for a student to achieve a particular grade this year compared to previous years”.

GCSEs: Guard teachers from grades pressure, says Ofqual

Assessment: ‘Inappropriate’ private tutor help warning

Results 2021: Nine risks of bias for teachers when grading

In its guidance to teachers on submitting A-level and GCSE grades, it says this advice is the same as that given to schools in 2020.

GCSEs 2021: Final Ofqual guidance on grading

But it adds: “However, for 2021 [schools] should bear in mind that students might not have been taught all the content and so might not demonstrate such a broad range of knowledge, skills and understanding.”

Ofqual also published guidance on bias for teachers when grading, calling on them to be “aware of unconscious effects on objectivity”, and that their judgements can be affected by “unconscious beliefs”.