Wera: Government Has Let Thousands of Young People Down

20 August 2020

Wera took the Government to task it for its disastrous assessment of A-levels, which saw nearly 40% of teachers’ recommended grades marked down. Subsequently BTec grades were withdrawn the night before they were meant to be released.

Wera is a former secondary school teacher. She said:

“I congratulate Bath students on their results and on completing this important life step. This cohort has shown real resilience during this very difficult time and should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. However, rather than being a time of celebration, too many pupils were left worried that the Government’s grading system has damaged their future prospects.”

"My office has received emails from young people, parents and teachers in distress about the impact of this callous approach."

“The Government, more worried about grade inflation than fairness, let thousands of young people down. Teachers are far better judges of their pupils’ ability than algorithms imposed by the Department for Education.”

“We need to remember that behind every exam result is a young life, full of promise.”

"My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are calling for all pupils to have a right to appeal their grades, and the chance to resit the examinations at the earliest possible date, at no cost. We are further demanding that the Government urge universities to be lenient in admissions requirements."

“It is completely unacceptable for any student to be downgraded based on family income, or any other factor. Liberal Democrats will do all we can to ensure pupils’ futures are not robbed by this Conservative Government’s incompetence.”

"Education Secretary Gavin Williamson is out of his depth and has run out of excuses. He should have already stepped down."