A* award was fair and accurate, says Ofqual
Friday, 20 August 2010 15:11
The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) has placed a comment in today's (20 August) Times Educational Supplement which repeats past criticisms of technical aspects of the awarding of the new A* grade. Those criticisms were reiterated in a letter from HMC to Ofqual sent last week, and answered in full by Ofqual the following day (see http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/news-and-announcements/128/386)
In a statement today, the Chief Executive of Ofqual, Isabel Nisbet, said: "The technical basis for awarding the A* grade was fair and transparent. Ofqual welcomes robust challenge and questioning from HMC, as from other organisations representing teachers and headteachers. But it is misleading to candidates and their teachers and families to repeat points at this time that have already been fully answered."
8.1% of A level entries this year were awarded the new A* grade. This is a higher figure than Ofqual’s prediction, based on 2009 results, of 6.8%. 18% of A level entries from independent schools received the A* grade.
Ofqual has written today (20 August) to the HMC addressing their latest correspondence.
You can find Ofqual’s letter here:
Previous correspondence with HMC regarding the award of A* at A level
Correspondence with HMC on 12 August 2010
Correspondence with HMC on 10 August 2010
Further information is available regarding the changes to A levels in summer 2010.
