How A levels, AS levels and GCSEs will be graded in 2020 and what will happen on results day

Thousands of young people were expecting to sit their A levels, AS levels and GCSEs this spring and summer – but will now be awarded a calculated grade instead.

Results days for the exams are taking place on their planned dates later in August.

This is how grades have been calculated and what happens next, according to the official advice from the UK Government.

When is results day?

A level and AS level results day is taking place on Thursday, August 13 while GCSE results will be handed out a week later on Thursday, August 20.

The Government said keeping these dates as originally planned would enable students to progress to higher or further education as normal.

It will also give people time to decide if they would like to take rescheduled exams this autumn if they are unhappy with their given grades.

How are grades being awarded fairly?

Schools and colleges are providing a ‘centre assessment grade’ for each student – the mark they would have been most likely to get if exams had gone ahead as planned.

They take a range of evidence into account, including mock exams and non-exam assessment like course work.

To ensure fairness, these grades are then put through a process of standardisation by exam boards, which will apply across schools and colleges.

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) ran a consultation earlier in 2020 on its plans for awarding grades.

What if I’m unhappy with my grade?

Pupils who don’t think their calculated grade reflects their ability will be given the opportunity to sit exams in the autumn term.

Current plans are in place for A levels and AS levels to take place in October, then GCSEs in November.

It’s then hoped that A level results would be revealed before Christmas, with universities planning to be ‘as flexible as possible’ with admissions.

Students will also have the option to take their exams in summer 2021, in line with usual practice.

For more information, visit the Government website here.

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