2021 exams in Northern Ireland
Education Minister clarifies position on exams in NI 2021.
Coronavirus: what you need to know - teaching & learning
What you need to know about exams, teaching and learning during the coronavirus crisis.
Fair Grade 2021
After the fiasco of the 2020 exam results, Government must make sure GCSE, A-level and vocational qualification students in 2021 are rewarded for their achievements and none are disadvantaged.
Coronavirus: what you need to know - exams
Exams have been cancelled - what happens now?
DfE report on Baseline
The DfE's report demonstrates only that baseline assessment meets the requirements set out for it by the DfE, which is no real statement at all.
Queen’s speech
Our schools and colleges cannot offer the world class education our children and young people deserve without proper levels of funding. Additional money has been given but it falls way short of what is actually needed.
We are the NEU
Watch and share: our members tell the real story of the school cuts that are devastating schools and colleges - and why joining NEU is the way forward.
Assessment campaign
After Covid-19, we need reform of our assessment and exams systems to make them fit for the future.
Primary and Early Years assessment
The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the flaws in our primary assessment system that fails to put children first.
Streaming and setting
Setting and streaming can exacerbate inequalities and hold back disadvantaged pupils.
Advice
Guidance for results days in 2020
In any normal year there can be great anxiety for students, parents, carers and education staff in and around results day. This year will be no different but will have the added complexity of the extraordinary situation for awarding grades, appeals and entries into the autumn series.
Coronavirus: Awarding for qualifications summer 2020
Interim guidance for detailed submissions made to OFQUAL, DE, CCEA and others on awarding for qualifications Summer 2020.
Coronavirus: Advice and guidance on exam cancellation (Northern Ireland)
Twelve points on exam cancellation for GCSEs, AS, A-levels and International Baccalaureate
Coronavirus: advice and guidance on exam cancellation (Wales)
Ten points on exam cancellation for GCSEs, AS-levels, A-levels and the Skills Challenge Certificate
Baseline FAQs
Answers to questions about Baseline for organisers and activists
ALPS and performance management
The term ALPS is derived from A-Level Performance System. ALPS aims to provide value added scores to colleges and to individual courses.
Workload : marking
The Independent Teacher Workload Review Groups were established by the DfE to report on, and suggest solutions to, unnecessary burdens associated with marking, planning and data management.
Blog
Defending the principles of early years education
Following the recent sector-led response to proposed changes to the EYFS, early years expert, Dr Sue Allingham, of Keeping Early Years Unique, sets out the concerns of the sector, and the principles which must be defended.
An historic week for primary education
Two of our major political parties have made clear that the assessment and accountability system under which schools have laboured for nearly 30 years can no longer be tolerated.
Speaking out against Baseline
A teacher from one London primary school describes how staff are speaking out against Baseline for the sake of their pupils.
We need to talk about baseline
Why teachers, parents, unions and schools need to join together and boycott baseline assessment.
Baseline – the test that nobody wants
A look at the problems with Baseline assessment by Ken Jones, from the National Education Union.
We don't need a national times tables test
We don't need another new assessment at a huge cost to schools to 'prove' that learning the times tables is an important part of the primary school curriculum, says Anne Heavey.
The awkward truth about primary progress measures
The new primary progress measures aren't fairer for children and don’t add up for schools. Anne Heavey explains why.
Press release
DfE Consultation on Awarding Grades
Consultation is always welcome but this is too late in the day.
Gavin Williamson on 2021 Exams
The principle of trusting teachers rather than algorithms is absolutely the right one to take. The fact that the Government originally did not do so last summer was what caused upset and chaos for students.
SATs Cancelled
Teachers and parents will be relieved that Gavin Williamson has faced up to reality and cancelled this year's SATs tests.
Gavin Williamson’s Plan for Schools and Colleges
Education staff will need further information soon about the training proposed by Gavin Williamson to assist with ensuring consistency and fairness of grades nationally.
DfE on Primary Assessment
Teachers require an assurance that the results of key stage 2 tests in 2021, which cannot possibly be a measure of the quality of a school, will not be used as a measure of accountability.
DfE package of measures - 2021 examinations
The Westminster Government’s slow decision-making process on secondary exams and qualifications is better than nothing, but far less helpful than it could have been if it had been made sooner.
Labour on exams
Labour is right to point to huge deficiencies in what the Government has so far said about exams for next summer.
Phonics research
More Than a Score research on Phonics
Post-Qualification University Admissions
Government proposal to use real rather than predicted A level grades for higher education places.
Education Committee on Exams
The National Education Union agrees with the Education Select Committee’s conclusion that exams for 2021 must take account of the differential impacts of access to education across the country.
Wales exams
Clear decisions of Welsh Government on 2021 exams shows England lagging behind.
EPI on Exams in 2021
Education Policy Institute say Gavin Williamson really should have listened sooner on exams next year.
Fair Grade 2021 petition hand-in
NEU hands in petition calling for Government action to ensure fairness in 2021 exams
GCSEs and A-Levels: October
The Government's current approach to exams in England is increasingly untenable.
EPI on School attendance rates
With high numbers of pupils and staff having to isolate as a result of Covid cases in their school, Govt decisions are doubling the difficulties faced by disadvantaged children and young people.
2021 exams
Government announcement on 2021 exams is a dereliction of duty
NAHT: Cancellation of SATs 2021
We welcome the NAHT stand. Teachers and headteachers are now united in their call for cancellation: the Government should listen. Statutory assessment in 2020/1 serves no useful purpose.
Exams in Scotland
Whereas the English Government still resists committing itself to a full independent review of what went wrong in summer 2020, the report commissioned in Scotland has already been delivered and acted upon.
No Government plan for 2021 exams
Government needs to do more to ensure next year's GCSE and A levels are fair to students
Proposal for Awarding Exams Grades in 2021
Five education organisations, representing school leaders, teachers, and governors, have submitted a set of joint proposals to make next summer’s A-levels and GCSEs as fair as possible amidst the ongoing disruption of the Covid pandemic.
Building a Fair Education System After Covid-19
Covid has exposed the fault lines in our current system of assessment and accountability.
Labour: push back 2021 exams
Labour calls Government to push back 2021 exams to help pupils catch up
Joint unions call for grading inquiry
Education unions make joint call for inquiry into grading fiasco
Boris Johnson and the ‘mutant algorithm’
It is brazen of the Prime Minister to idly shrug away a disaster that his own Government created.
Ofqual Resignation
Resignation of Sally Collier, Chief Regulator of Ofqual
#FairGrade2021 Petition Update
NEU petition calling for action on fixing exams system reaches 25,000 signatures in its first 24 hours.
GCSE Results 2020
We commend the students and staff who have supported them this year. They have shown great patience throughout the challenges of lockdown and last week's shambolic uncertainty.
Bigger changes needed for 2021
The Joint General Secretaries of the National Education Union have written to Gavin Williamson the Education Secretary, setting out why the disastrous handling of this year’s exam results must never happen again.
Government U-Turn on Exams
Government forced into U-turn on A-level exam grades.
A level grades in Wales
NEU Cymru wishes many congratulations to those who have secured expected grades and we trust that the adjustment and appeals processes will be robust enough to deal with all anomalies that may have arisen.
A-Level Results
The politics of results season 2020 has drowned out the most important point - that students must be congratulated for their hard work and patience through a difficult time for the whole nation.
Announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
NEU Cymru comment on Education Minister's announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
Exam Results ‘Triple Lock’
Gavin Williamson has many questions to answer on his exam 'triple lock'.
Scotland exam results
UK now has two different entry systems for UK universities.
Coronavirus: Ofqual arrangements for GCSEs, AS and A-Levels in 2021
Today's confirmation of business as normal for the content of most subjects next year makes insufficient allowance for the disruption this year and allows no contingency for any further disruption as a result of local or regional lockdowns.
Ofqual Summer Symposium
Results from this year's extraordinary exams process are broadly comparable to previous years’ results, and the majority of students will not be disadvantaged by this year's process.
Coronavirus: Ofqual consultation on exams and assessments
The NEU is seriously concerned about the minimal suggestions made in Ofqual’s proposals for exams in summer 2021.
Coronavirus: Baseline assessment delay
The National Education Union welcomes the decision not to implement reception baseline assessment in September.
Sutton Trust on A-Levels
Research by Sutton Trust’s suggests young people believe cancellation of A-Levels will damage their chances in university applications.
Ofqual plan for Vocational and Technical Qualifications
The NEU welcomes Ofqual’s announcement today on the regulatory arrangements for awarding this summer’s Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs).
Ofqual: Vocational and Technical Qualifications
One form of assessment will not fit all, and more detail is required.
Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level
We are pleased that the Department for Education and Ofqual both recognise the professionalism of teachers. Exams are not the only way to assess someone’s ability.
NEU Cymru welcomes sensible approach on exams
We expect the Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales to work with the profession, to fine-tune the detail of this approach.
Exams
We welcome this announcement from Government. Evidence shows teacher-assessed grades are reliable and valid.
NEU Cymru says time to be sensible over exams
NEU Cymru statement on school closures in Wales.
Baseline assessment to become statutory in September
The DfE has satisfied itself about the technical validity of the tests, but is completely incurious about the effects of Baseline Assessment on the educational experience of four year-olds.
Baseline research launched
New research into Baseline testing shows a lack of trust amongst teachers.
More Than A Score assessment survey
More Than A Score /YouGov publishes survey findings of parents' views on too much testing in schools.
Ofsted 'stuck' schools report
Fear of Ofsted is a key factor in school leader and teacher flight from these schools. Ofsted is, unfortunately part of the problem, not the solution.
General Election Result
The NEU reacts to the result of the 2019 General Election.
NFER report on T Levels
NFER is right that there has to be a concerted effort to raise awareness about the new T Level awards, particularly around the uncertainty about progression routes.
Sutton Trust on GCSE Reforms
The Sutton Trust is right to say that the new GCSE reforms have a negative impact on students.
Liberal Democrats Manifesto
NEU welcomes the the Liberal Democrats commitment to abolish primary SATs testing. These tests, beloved of the Government, cause enormous stress and narrowing of the curriculum – they do not produce useful information for teachers.
Unexplained Pupil Exits
Sixty-nine thousand unexplained pupil exits from schools is a shocking figure and one which the Government needs to address.
Phonics
NEU comments on Government's release of Phonics Check statistics.
Malpractice Commission
The recommendations to spread best practice and take advantage of technological advances in order to help prevent malpractice, where it does occur, are sensible.
Provisional SATs results
Today’s report will do nothing to halt the growing demand to abolish the SATs-based system, and replace it with one which support’s pupils’ learning, and does more to trust teachers’ professional judgment.
GCSE Results
Congratulations to all those receiving their GCSE results today. They are a testament to the hard work of students and all those who have supported them, including education professionals.
Reformed GCSEs are damaging the mental health of young people, and failing to accurately reflect their abilities
On the eve of this year’s GCSE results, the National Education Union (NEU) has carried out a snapshot poll of members about their perceptions of how recent reforms to the qualifications have impacted on the students they teach.
A-Level results
Congratulations to students who have succeeded in their A-Level and vocational qualifications today.
NEU poll shows damaging impact of A-Level reforms on students’ mental health and engagement
On the eve of this year’s A-Level results, the National Education Union (NEU) has polled members about their perceptions of how recent reforms to the qualifications have impacted on the students they teach.
SATs results - demoralising and damaging
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary NEU comments on the release of today’s SATs results.
Primary teachers support NEU’s campaign for an alternative to SATs
With this year’s SATs results published today, the findings of the largest poll of primary school practitioners ever undertaken gives a ringing endorsement of the National Education Union’s (NEU) campaign to end damaging high-stakes tests in primary schools. It also sends a clear message to Government that the current assessment system must change.
Number of primary schools registered to take part in the pilot of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) falls
Government figures show that 9,600 primary schools in England have registered for take-up of the Baseline assessment.* This is down from 16,766 primary schools in 2018.
Accountability and Assessment
Commenting on the passing of Motion 30 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: "The resolution demonstrates the conviction of those who work in English education that our system of assessment and accountability is not fit for purpose".
Valid assessment for all
Commenting on the passing of Motion 35 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “With this resolution, the Union adds its voice to the rising concern about the effects and educational value of exams at 16+.
Boycott High Stakes Summative Testing in Primary Schools
Commenting on the passing of Motion 16 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
YouGov/More Than A Score survey on testing
Commenting on the results of a YouGov survey commissioned by More than a Score, released today, which shows the level of school leaders’ frustrations with the Government’s assessment regime, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
‘Pointless’ baseline assessment pilot for 4 year olds announced by Government
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments on the announcement by Nick Gibb that the DfE will be looking for schools to take part in a pilot scheme for the proposed baseline assessment tests.
New tests are of no educational benefit to children
The National Education Union is deeply disappointed that the Government has decided to introduce the Reception Baseline Assessment and Multiplication Tables Check.
Categorisation in Wales remains stable - time to call time on the regional consortia?
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales, notes that this year's results of the Categorisation system in Wales show that schools in Wales remain 'stable', in terms of their "improvement" category.
A Transformational Curriculum consultation welcome
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales welcomes the consultation on the new Curriculum "Our National Mission: A Transformational Curriculum".
Performance Tables
Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary NEU has commented on the secondary school performance tables, published today by the Department for Education.
GCSE Performance Statistics
Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary, National Education Union has commented on statistics released today by the Department for Education for 2017/18.
NEU comment on Primary School Performance Tables
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on today’s publication of primary school performance tables.
NEU comment on BERA report on Baseline assessment
BERA’s expert panel has demonstrated that the Government’s plans for baseline assessment are built on wishful thinking, not evidence, say the NEU.
SATs do not benefit children’s learning and are bad for their well-being – NEU survey
Children crying, having nightmares and being so stressed they needed extra support to cope with SATs were highlighted by primary teachers in a National Education Union (NEU) survey on the primary assessment.
National Education Union comments on SATs Results (Key Stage 2)
Today’s announcement means that, despite the hard work of teachers and pupils, over a third of 11-year-olds will arrive in secondary schools in September labelled as ‘below the expected standard,’ says NEU.
Capita and Primary School Tests
Capita is set to make a vast profit at the expense of young primary children’s mental health and well-being, after the award of a £109 million contract by the government, says the NEU.
Well done to students, but new GCSEs are narrowing the curriculum and adding to student stress, says NEU
Congratulations to students, but new GCSEs are narrowing the curriculum and adding to student stress, says Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.
Congratulations to students, but high-stakes A-levels do not demonstrate what students can do
Congratulations to students and staff but warning that there is increase in mental health issues and a narrowing of the curriculum with new assessment model, NEU says.
Changes to GCSEs and A-levels are damaging students’ mental health and increasing teachers’ workload – NEU poll
Changes to this year’s GCSEs and A-levels have damaged students’ mental health, according to a snap-shot poll by the National Education Union.
NEU comment on A-level results
NEU comments on the breakdown of results in this year's A-Levels.
Article
Squeezing the love out of learning
CHILDREN crying, having nightmares and being so stressed they needed extra support to cope with SATs were just some of the findings of a National Education Union (NEU) survey on primary assessment.
New GCSEs and A levels take their toll and damages students' mental health
Changes to this year's GCSEs and A levels have damaged students' mental health, according to a snap poll by the National Education Union (NEU)
