A-Level students in Wales can appeal downgraded results if they were lower than predicted by teachers

Students in Wales will be able to appeal A-level grades on the grounds the ones they received on Thursday are lower than those assessed by teachers, the education minister has confirmed.

There has been mounting criticism over Thursday’s results, which saw 42 per cent of students across Wales were downgraded from their teachers’ predcted marks.

This is despite a guarantee on Wednesday from Education Minister Kirsty Williams that no students’ final A Level grade will be lower than what they received in their AS Levels.

This was along was an assurance that all appeals will be free for Welsh students.

It followed concerns being raised after Qualifications Wales said final grades were likely to be lower than those estimated by teachers, which the exams watchdog said were “too generous”.

Details of how that can take place have been released today, along with the grounds for appeal extend to cover this summer’s GCSE, AS and A levels, and the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications.

The education minister said: “Earlier this week I directed Qualifications Wales to broaden the grounds for appeal for A levels, AS, Skills Challenge Certificate and GCSEs.

“Today, they have now confirmed what this means for students. I accept that learners wanted and needed more clarity, and I believe this achieves that.

“Qualification Wales and the WJEC will share the full details, but appeals can now be made where there is evidence of internal assessments that has been judged by the school or college to be at a higher grade than the grade they have been awarded.

“There is a guarantee that no-one will receive a lower grade after appeal and all appeals are free.”

In a statement, Qualifications Wales say:-

– An appeal can now be made on the grounds that there is evidence of internal assessment that has been judged by the school or college to be at a higher grade than the calculated grade awarded. Internal assessment evidence will need to meet specific criteria, which is being finalised and will be published shortly. If the appeal is successful, the learner’s grade will be revised to be the same as their internal assessment grade, but no higher than the Centre Assessment Grade submitted by the centre.

– We are aware that some centres are concerned that the statistical standardisation model used to calculate the A level grades awarded, has not reflected the value added relationship that may exist at the centre between performance at AS and A level. We believe that this new ground for appeal will address this issue.

– WJEC will provide further details on the process to submit appeals which will be available early next week.

The organisation adds: “Earlier this week, the Minister for Education asked us to consider this summer’s appeal process, taking into account changes by regulators in England and Northern Ireland.

“This was with a view to ensuring that learners in Wales are not placed at a disadvantage in relation to learners in those other jurisdictions.

“We have worked closely with WJEC and considered the changes being introduced in England to find the best way forward for Welsh learners.

“As a result, we are extending the grounds for appeal for this summer’s GCSE, AS and A levels, and the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications.

More details can be found on the Qualifications Wales website.