Unregulated examinations

The fact that some schools in the UK are "investigating the use of unregulated examinations" to get round the government`s cancellation of all GCSE and A-levels this summer highlights once again the need for reform (Schools look into unregulated tests to circumvent exams ban, 21/03/20). Private schools are generally believed to be using these exams, which are ludicrously "not subject" to the same Ofqual regulations as A-levels, to "bolster their results", especially as the number of A*/A grades for Pre-Us is significantly higher than awarded for conventional exams, and as the test papers are mostly set and marked by teachers in the independent sector. As if these privately educated pupils don`t have enough advantages already! Presumably the state schools in question see the ban as a chance to play the system too?

        If Williamson has any bottle, he needs to insist on the cancellation of all examinations being taken in the UK this year, on the grounds of both health and fairness. Whilst he`s at it, he should insist the only qualifications for entry into all state-funded UK universities are either the properly regulated BTEC exams or newly reformed A-levels!