Since the outbreak of conflict across the region, COBIS has worked closely with examination boards, regulators and sector partners to ensure that the circumstances facing affected students have been understood and taken into account throughout the assessment process. This work has been undertaken in collaboration with the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO), British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and HMC, providing a coordinated voice on behalf of British international schools.
Following the publication of results, representatives from the four associations met with Ofqual on both A-level and GCSE results days to raise emerging concerns reported by schools. Discussions have since continued with Ofqual and awarding organisations regarding inconsistencies identified in some student outcomes and questions surrounding the interpretation and application of statistical methodologies used within the exceptional assessment arrangements.
COBIS Chief Executive Colin Bell has written to and met with each of the exam boards where concerns have been raised from our schools, covering all examination subjects.
Alongside this engagement with awarding bodies, COBIS has continued discussions with organisations across the UK higher education sector, including UCAS, Universities UK (UUK) and Universities UK International (UUKi).
In a joint letter sent by AoBSO, BSME, COBIS and HMC to UCAS, the associations acknowledged that the overall picture for student progression to higher education appears positive, while highlighting a small number of cases that warrant further examination. The letter raised concerns regarding individual examination outcomes, the potential impact on university admissions decisions, and the importance of ensuring that no student is disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
The associations also called for universities to continue taking a contextual and flexible approach where appropriate, particularly in cases involving reviewed grades, corrected results or students who may have narrowly missed offer conditions as a result of exceptional circumstances.
In its response, UCAS noted that progression data for students from the region remains encouraging overall and confirmed that processes are in place to support the transfer of amended grades following successful reviews or appeals. UCAS also reiterated its commitment to supporting students as they navigate university admissions and progression pathways.
Read the cross-association letter to UCAS HERE.
Read UCAS' response to the letter HERE.
COBIS will continue to work closely with regulators, awarding organisations, universities and sector partners in the coming weeks, and welcomes further evidence from member schools relating to examination outcomes, exceptional assessment arrangements, appeals, reviews or university progression.
While the overall picture remains positive and many students have successfully progressed to their intended destinations, it is important that concerns raised by schools continue to be examined carefully.
COBIS remains committed to ensuring that the interests of our member schools and students are represented at every level and that no student is disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
Colin Bell, COBIS CEO