A WORCESTER head teacher has welcomed the government's U-turn on this year's exam results, calling it "fabulous news".

Neil Morris, headteacher at Christopher Whitehead Language College, was speaking after education secretary Gavin Williamson announced all A Level and GCSE students in England would receive their predicted grades, despite having previously said there would be no change.

This means some students across Worcestershire who were disappointed last week could still get into their first choice universities.

Mr Morris said: "It is great news. After five days of concern and really worrying times for parents, students and teachers, the government has listened and finally come to the right decision.

"Sadly, in some cases, the universities have already rejected students - these five days were absolutely crucial. Several have lost their place or their apprenticeship, so I hope the universities can re-assess.

"There will be quite a few difficult conversations to be had over the next few days (between students, schools and universities) but it is fabulous news.

"I really do have to thank my colleagues who have put in more than 150 appeals over the last five days, but most of all the students themselves who have handled it brilliantly.

"There is a lot of criticism thrown at this generation as the 'snowflake generation' but I have seen none of that. They really have been brilliant.

"What this means now, looking ahead to Thursday, is that we can look our pupils in the eye and know they have the results they deserve."

The government has faced widespread criticism for what happened on results day, with the so-called "triple lock" mechanism seeing many students left devastated.

In Worcester, many students found they had been rejected by their first-choice universities.

Under the new grading system, students received the highest of their mock grade, predicted or resits. However, this meant many A grade students received only B and C grades for their efforts.

Worcester MP Robin Walker, who is in the Government, said the decision was the right one given the unusual times we find ourselves in.

He said: "It is definitely a situation where we have to listen to the concerns being raised and it is right the education secretary has done this.

"It will be a challenge for universities now with allocating places, but it is very good news for 6th form colleges in particular.

"I know in Worcester, Christopher Whitehead and Worcester Sixth Form College were particularly concerned so it is good the change has been made."

Education secretary Gavin Williamson apologised to students and parents affected by "significant inconsistencies".

He said: "This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for young people who were unable to take their exams.

"We worked with Ofqual to construct the fairest possible model, but it is clear that the process of allocating grades has resulted in more significant inconsistencies than can be resolved through an appeals process.

"We now believe it is better to offer young people and parents certainty by moving to teacher assessed grades for both A and AS level and GCSE results.

"I am sorry for the distress this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve."

Professor David Green, the University of Worcester’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive welcomed the news of the Government u-turn saying: “I am delighted that the students who lost out from the unfair calculations announced last Thursday are now to receive their teacher predicted grades.

"My heart goes out to all these students, their parents, grandparents and loved ones.

“In the case of the University of Worcester we have already decided that where there is no number cap or professional body requirement all students who have received a conditional offer will, providing they now meet the course requirement, have their offer confirmed and may take up a place this September if they so choose.

"In the case of courses with a strict numbers cap or professional body requirement admission will be handled on a case-by-case basis assessing all the information available to the University and in discussion with the applicant.

"This will only apply to a small number of courses in health and education and we anticipate offering applicants who now have the right qualifications places to start this September or, in a few cases, January.”