New grading system will give students 'best possible chance' - Education Minister

Scrapping A-Level and GCSE exams this summer in favour of grades being determined by schools will 'give students the best possible chance to achieve the grades they deserve.'

That's according to Education Minister, Dr Alex Allinson MHK, after government announced the move yesterday - a new grading system based on a 'range of assessments' is being developed between now and early June.

This could include mock exams, coursework, essays and classroom based tests.

Dr Allinson adds: "It is important to put the needs of our young people first and provide clarity to our teachers at this challenging time. That is why we have taken this decision to cancel all exams.

"These outcomes are extremely significant and we will be working closely with schools to support our young people and our hard working teachers through the process."

Government says the move has the full backing of headteachers in all of the Island's secondary schools.

There are some vocational courses that require skills to be assessed through practical exams that will still go ahead as normal.