Exam results: How will universities cope with extra students? And other questions

A-level and GCSE students in England will be given grades estimated by their teachers, rather than by an algorithm, after a government U-turn.

Experts Eddie Playfair and Catherine Sezen, senior policy managers at the Association of Colleges, are answering your questions.

Image copyright Association of Colleges Image caption Catherine Sezen and Eddie Playfair offer personalised advice on what to do next

Can the universities cope with the massive increase in students achieving top grades if teacher-predicted results are accepted? Steve Cutts, Lewes

Now that we know that centre assessment grades (CAGs) will stand, this means that there will be a five-point increase in A* grades and a 10-point increase in A grades or above. University courses may well be able to manage the increased demand for high tariff courses, particularly if there is a relaxation of the cap on growth - called the student number controls.

Some BTec students don't have their results, but what will happen to the ones who were downgraded? Kirsty Stainsby, Bridgewater

We gather that there have been some delays with some BTec awards and we know that Pearson - the company which runs BTecs - is working to resolve this. We think that only 0.5% of BTec centre assessed grades were adjusted downwards and it's not clear whether they will now be moved up.

Will they change the results for vocational students as well? Sarah, Beverley

Ofqual has just published an update on vocational and technical qualifications. Although calculated results have been issued for many vocational and technical qualifications, in only a very few cases has the same kind of statistical standardisation process of centre assessment grades been used and so Monday's announcement shouldn't impact on the majority of vocational qualifications.

You can find more information on the Ofqual website. If you still have any questions about your result I would suggest that you speak to your school or college.

Have Scottish students with enhanced grades taken the places of English/Welsh/NI students for full top degree courses such as medicine? Gill, Sleaford

It's possible that more students with Scottish Highers might have a small impact on places available in English universities, but the difference in scale between the two countries probably means this will not be significant overall. I am sure universities will want to honour the offers they've made.

Image copyright Reuters Image caption This was the year of the results without any exams being taken

Why is there no mention anywhere of all the home-educated students who have come out of this with nothing? Carolyn Jackson, Leeds

It's been clear from the start that unfortunately some private candidates would not be able to receive centre assessment grades, and this is obviously far from ideal. It may be possible for them to progress on to the course they want if they can be assessed by the institution they wish to join. There is also the option of taking exams in the autumn which will result in grades which can be used for progression.

Can I switch back to my firm university choice if I successfully appeal against my grades, now that my insurance uni place has been confirmed? Anon, Nottingham

You will need to discuss this with both your firm and insurance universities as soon as possible, now that you know that your centre assessment grade will be your final grade.

What happens if the teachers' predictions are lower than the already given grade? Linda Brice

Calculated grades were higher than centre assessment grades for 2.3% of all entries, and we assume these will be honoured as it would be very unfair to withdraw a grade already awarded. This hasn't been announced officially, but it would certainly be the right thing to do and should become clear shortly.

My son accepted a place in clearing based on his awarded grades. Is there any way he can be released from this university place now he has better grades? Jo Evans

Now that your son knows what his final grade is, he should discuss this both his first choice university and also with the university he applied to through clearing.

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Are we still allowed to appeal grades, has the three-option system been scrapped, and what about the mock grades appeal process? Rachel Christie

The appeals process is still available and should be used where there are concerns about the process or the outcome. It's not clear whether the mock criterion for appeals now still applies and we are waiting for final guidance on that.

Can I accept an offer to a university and still retake the exam, so I don't have poor results on my CV? Michael, Ascot

Yes, it is possible to accept an offer and take the exam. Your school or college will be able to advise you on the best option.

Image copyright Reuters

What can a parent do if their child refuses to engage with finding out their results? My child's college cannot discuss students' results with parents. Do I have a legal right to know? - Ruth Guven, London

If your son or daughter is 18 then the college cannot share information with you unless your child agrees, as they are now classified as an adult. They should be able to tell you how results will be sent out, or whether your son or daughter can collect them from the college.

The college will be able to provide information, advice and guidance to your son or daughter to help them think about next steps. This might help as the basis of a chat with your child.

I've been given an alternative offer (including foundation year) for my firm choice and my insurance had accepted me. How long can I wait before replying and accepting my insurance option? - Nisrine, London

The best thing to do is to ask the university how long they will keep the place open while you weigh up the options. Universities are being very flexible this year. The alternative offer from your firm choice, including a foundation year, is of course an extra year.

If you really want to go to that university it is a good option, but the other university course may also be right for you. Give the university a call and then you will know how long you have got to consider both.

My daughter has been home-schooled for the last three years. How, or does, she get results? Megan, Wisbech

Your daughter might get results if the school or college that was going to enter her had sufficient evidence (course work for example) to give her a centre assessed grade. If not there will be an opportunity for your daughter to take an exam in the autumn. The school or college will have more details about that.

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If we're not happy with our results, can we resit Year 13? Emma-Louise, Hackney

You need to discuss this with the college or school you attended in 2019-20 to consider the various options open to you. Simply repeating a year is not generally recommended unless there are exceptional circumstances - but of course 2020 has been pretty exceptional!

If you have the possibility of progressing to a higher level - for example university - that might be the best option, but don't make any final decisions without getting support and advice from your college or school first.

Are there strategies in place to avoid bias against disability? Ronit, Watford

When producing centre assessment grades, centres will have predicted how a student would have performed assuming they had received all the additional support and access arrangements which they require because of a disability.

Hopefully, any mock processes would also have included that additional support and this is definitely worth discussing with your centre.

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Will having "corona grades" for exams we didn't sit undermine us when we go for jobs? Anon

The system this year was designed to make sure that the class of 2020 was not disadvantaged, and to produce outcomes which are broadly similar to previous years. So we expect the national grade profile to reflect this.

This should provide reassurance for employers, universities and colleges that this year's grades have an equivalent value to those of previous years.

If an A-level student chooses to sit a real exam, will the universities treat those and exams taken next summer equally? Janet, Cheshire

The autumn exams are an opportunity for students entered this summer to take an exam. The grade they are awarded will have equal value and so this can inform any applications they are making to university in 2021.

The current plan is for exams next summer to go ahead as normal, with a few alterations, and they should be seen as equivalent to any other year.

I am a senior university lecturer and cannot understand why A-level students could not have undertaken exams electronically? Anon, Cheshire

In the future this is certainly worth exploring, but given the timeframe this year it would have been very difficult to ensure that all students would have been adequately prepared to undertake exams online. Not all students will have had appropriate equipment or spaces to undertake exams.

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