Covid-19: Education Settings

Vicky Foxcroft Excerpts

Tuesday 6th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

My right hon. Friend raises a very important issue that is, of course, a concern to teachers and parents, but most of all to pupils who will be looking towards 2022 and assessment and the awarding of grades. It is our intention to move back to an exam system, but we recognise that we must ensure that mitigations are in place for pupils taking that assessment in the next academic year. We will look at sharing more information about what those mitigations are before the summer, and we will update his Education Committee and the House accordingly.

[Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab) [V]]

Many young people are extremely worried about next year’s exams. One young constituent recently told me:

“I have never felt less confident in my ability to take part in next year’s exams—if there even is that opportunity—and I’m sure many others are also struggling. I ask for 2022 GCSE exams to be simpler, easier and adapted to our lack of necessary education, out of compassion.”

What does the Minister say to them? When will schools get certainty about changes to next year’s exams and assessments?

[Gavin Williamson]

The hon. Lady might not have heard my answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon). We are looking at giving further guidance and information to schools imminently, and we are very much looking at putting in place mitigation measures there, while recognising that the best form of assessment is always examination.