Hampshire headteachers seek clarity over BTEC exams

While the education secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed earlier this week that GCSE and A-level examinations would not be taking place this summer the decision to cancel upcoming BTEC exams has been left at the discretion of schools and colleges.

While the government has given assurances that students who do not sit these exams will not be penalised, with BTEC examinations taking place next week headteachers need further detail.

Park Community School headteacher Chris Anders said: ‘It is better when we have a clear direction from the government and exam boards so all students have the same outcome. We are likely not to run the BTEC exam because some students are out of school as a result of the lockdown and a few are isolating so would not be able to attend.

‘I am also aware that coming into school with the current concerns around the transmission of Covid mean some children and households are also anxious about mixing with others, even when distanced. So if we ran the BTEC exam some students would be disadvantaged.’

SEE ALSO: University of Portsmouth leaders ‘disappointed’ to suspend onsite teaching but back decision

Hordean Technology College headteacher Julie Summerfield added: ‘Some students are nervous about coming into school. We are also waiting for assurances to be put in writing. Sometimes what the government say is different to what they write.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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