Scrap the algorithm, use teacher grades

Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP

Today's A Level results have seen thousands of young people's grades devalued because of their school's historical record. The government's opaque statistical models, which ignore teacher grades, are hurting working class students and widening the attainment gap.

If they don't act now, thousands of young people could lose out on university places, apprenticeships and jobs - all because of where they grew up.

Sign this petition and tell the government to scrap the algorithm, and use teacher grades!

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To: Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP
From: [Your Name]

After a turbulent year that no-one could have predicted, thousands of school leavers have received results that could determine their future.

But for too many, their results have been defined not by their own hard work and ability, but by their background and that of their school.

Numerous reports over the past two weeks revealed that England's system of marking and moderation judges pupils on their schools’ historical results. As the recent example of Scotland has shown, this has entrenched class inequality in our education system and widened the attainment gap between richest and poorest.

After brilliant campaigning by our Scottish peers, the Scottish government has rightly announced a u-turn and promised to respect and abide by centre assessment grades without exception.

By contrast, your recent announcement of a ‘triple lock for students’ offers little for those most severely affected.

Now we need you to recognise the scale of this crisis, and take the bold action that is needed. Scrap the algorithm, and trust teacher grades!