HEADTEACHERS from schools across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch have written to their MP following their A level results last week, appealing that the same mistakes are not to be repeated with GCSE results.

Hundreds of students across the country and the UK were disadvantaged by the application of the government’s algorithm used to determine exam grades, which was enforced 24 hours before students received their results.

However, a government U-turn on Monday has meant that A-level and GCSE students in England will be given grades estimated by their teachers, rather than by an algorithm.

Following last week’s results, Twynham School were due to submit cohort appeals for two subjects which were been negatively impacted by the algorithm being applied unfairly.

Jy Taylor, head teacher of Twynham School said: “In one of these subjects the school submitted four CAGS at C grade. As a result of the algorithm, two of these were awarded Ds, one E and a U.

“I can inform you though that one of our Oxford applicants was initially refused as a result of receiving a calculated grade lower than his CAG.

“Fortunately, we were able to liaise with the college on his behalf and he has successfully been offered a place.”

However, since the way in which exam results will be awarded has changed, the school will no longer have to file their appeals.

I would like to see more funding given to universities so that they are able to provide additional capacity in these unprecedented times

Twynham School is one of the schools who have contacted Dorset MPs to tell them about the “injustices” regarding A level results and urging that the same mistakes aren’t made again today.

“I have written to our local MPs; Chris Chope, Tobias Ellwood and Conor Burns, all of whom represent constituencies of students who attend Twynham School.

“It is important that our elected representatives are aware of the injustices that have taken place as well as being held to account for the unacceptable way in which this situation has unfolded.

“I have also urged them to do all that they can to ensure this fiasco is avoided in the awarding of GCSE grades on Thursday.”

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood has said that more funding is needed to help support students looking to go into further education as well as universities who are expected to take a hit on the number of applications on their courses.

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He said: “We have seen incredible economic support for the hospitality sector and local authorities, but we need to see the same level of support given to all those in the education sector.

“We need to pay particular attention to supporting students over the next few months as most of them have had difficulties not only with their results, but also with their mental health.

“There is a duty for students to come forward to seek support but also for the government to do more to provide more support for these individuals, not only for their personal growth an future education, but for the good of our economy.”

When asked about whether the government have learnt from their mistakes with A level results, Mr Ellwood said “we are not out of the woods yet”, adding that the repercussions of which could be long lasting.

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He added: “There are still thousands of students who are enduring the difficulties of clearing and uncertainty of appeals made against their initial grades.

“I would like to see more funding given to universities so that they are able to provide additional capacity in these unprecedented times.

“We need to look longer term as, without a vaccine, these may well be challenges that we will face in 2021.”