Exams regulator Ofqual has confirmed today that students receiving a teacher-assessed GCSE, AS- or A-level grade this summer will be able to sit exams in the same subject in the autumn.
Students who exam boards believe would have sat exams in summer 2021 had they not been cancelled will also be able to sit papers in the autumn series.
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Following a consultation on arrangements for autumn this year, Ofqual said it had decided that exam boards must offer exams in all GCSE and A-level subjects, as well as AS exams in chemistry, further maths, maths and physics.
GCSEs and A levels 2021: Ofqual’s plans for autumn exams
Boards will be able to offer AS exams in other subjects if they wish.
Ofqual had previously said there should be no advance topics given to students sitting exams in the autumn series, over fears this could create additional pressure on teachers, and today it confirmed that exams will be in their normal format with no adaptations made.
Grades will be determined by a student’s performance in an exam for all subjects, except for art and design qualifications. Ofqual announced that AS- and A-level exams will be held in October, while GCSE exams will take place in November and December.
“Where awarding organisations do not normally provide assessment opportunities between September and January, Ofqual will require them to provide those opportunities where they reasonably consider there is sufficient demand and would be manageable to both the awarding organisation and [schools],” the regulator added.
