A HEADTEACHER has said students need more support than the government delaying GCSE and A-Level exams next year - following calls from the Labour party.

Mark Pollard, headteacher of Bishop Perowne Church of England College, has said delaying will only only add three weeks worth of teaching time for students who are due to sit GCSE and A-level exams next year. Mr Pollard said the extra weeks were insignificant considering the amount of lessons missed last academic year.

Robert Halfon, chair of the Commons Education Committee, has called on the exams regulator to decide within weeks whether GCSE and A-Level exams will go ahead next year - after criticism over results chaos - and Mr Pollard said he agreed with “many aspects” of what he said.

Mr Pollard said: “This is one of the possibilities, but it would perhaps only add 2/3 weeks’ worth of teaching time which is unlikely to be hugely significant given the amount of lessons missed last academic year. Schools and students need clarity quickly about the plan B for exams next year.

“It’s not impossible that further local lockdowns or a second wave and another national lockdown could jeopardise the level playing field required for a fair exams system.

“I can only hope that lessons have been learned from this summer and that sensible contingency plans are ready to prevent another year of stress and worry for students and their families.”

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said: “It is important that we plan ahead properly and ensure that teachers and pupils have the teaching time that they need ahead of major exams, that is why I think it is appropriate that the Education Secretary has already tasked officials to work with Ofqual to look at the timing of public exams next year. I think it is better for this to be done carefully and in consultation with experts in both the teaching profession and the examination bodies then as a result of political pressure. I know there is already some concern about next year’s exams and that’s why it’s right for the government to work with the exams watchdog on any changes that might need to be made to help pupils when they take GCSEs and A levels next year. Ofqual will continue to work with the education sector and other stakeholders on whether there should be a short delay with the aim of creating more teaching time.”

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