A-level results: Bexhill College’s ‘extreme disappointment’ over controversial algorithm

The college was pleased the hard work of the students resulted in the matching of last year’s highest ever A-level pass rate of 99.4 per cent, but added it was ‘extremely disappointed’ by the impact of the examination boards’ standardisation process which resulted in many students receiving scaled grades.

It said this had impacted significantly on the results awarded to students, as the college’s A*to B grades were six per cent down on last year and the A*-C rate was nearly two per cent down in comparison to the previous year.

A college spokesman said: “As soon as exams were cancelled, it was difficult to see how any system for awarding grades could replace an actual exam - this was never going to be a perfect system.

“Nevertheless, the staff approached the Centre Assessment Grades process set out for them by the Government and Exam Boards with professionalism and integrity – these Centre Assessment Grades were scrutinised and moderated thoroughly. 
“We believe it to be extremely unfair that the hard of work of staff and students has been discounted so readily and the results of the students have been impacted in such a way.”
Principal Karen Hucker, said: “While we were very pleased with our overall pass rate, the impact of the standardisation process has had an unacceptable impact on some of our students.

“Staff at the college are rightly disappointed for those students who have worked so hard. They are extremely angry about what has happened. It is important we continue to raise this injustice in the hope that the Government take action to address it.”

The college said it will be doing all it can to appeal grades wherever possible on behalf of students.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.