A-LEVELS 2020: Some students 'disadvantaged by grading system', says College of West Anglia

Officials at the College of West Anglia have reported another strong year of A-level results, though they say some students have been "unfairly disadvantaged" by the new grading process.

The system, which replaced the traditional exams scrapped during the coronavirus crisis, sees grades determined using evidence such as performance in mock exams and non-exam assessments.

That then goes through an external moderation process, which has proved highly controversial.

Despite that, a total of 73 per cent of grades awarded to CWA students were at A* to C, with half at either A*, A or B.

Principal David Pomfret said: “I am delighted with the strong A-level results our students have achieved again this year. We are thrilled that of the grades awarded to our students, 50% are at grade B or above.

"I’d like to thank all our staff and students, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year in these exceptional circumstances.

"We are so proud of everything our students have achieved during their time with us and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.”

"Unfortunately, the statistical standardisation process introduced in place of exams has unfairly disadvantaged a small number of students.

"The college will fully support those students affected to achieve the grades that they deserve."

Earlier this week, the government announced what it called a "triple lock" system which would allow students to receive results based on either predicted grades, mock exams or exams to be sat in the autumn.

Meanwhile, college officials are also encouraging students who have received their results today to consider a degree programme at the University Centre West Anglia, which is based on the college's Lynn campus.

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