Andrey Prikazchikov
OxfordAQA has announced this morning that all 2021 summer exams are cancelled, and that international students will receive Teacher Assessed Grades, in line with students in England.
Their statement this morning said: "We have taken this difficult decision in order to end the uncertainty following the recent announcement of the cancellation of exams in England by the UK Government. As you know, OxfordAQA’s international GCSE and A-level exams are benchmarked to UK standards, and maintaining fairness and consistency in the grades provided to all students, in all countries around the world, is a priority for us. Regrettably, it has become clear that it will not be possible for exams to be held everywhere in May/June 2021, because of the continued impact of the coronavirus."
Ofqual Consultation
Ofqual, the exams regulator in England, is currently undertaking a consultation on how Teacher Assessed Grades will work, and OxfordAQA will be guided by Ofqual’s approach to ensure they remain aligned with standards in England. Ofqual are expected to publish their consultation findings by the end of February 2021. The deadline for input into this consultation is 23:45 GMT 29 January.
OxfordAQA have extended their entries deadline to 21st March. In order to make sure your students receive a grade this year, you will need to submit your entries before this deadline. They will review fees for the May/June 2021 series when more detail is known about the Teacher Assessed Grades process and the costs of delivering it.
Take part in the Ofqual Consultation
Read more from Oxford AQA here
As representatives of our valued members, we will continue to liaise with all examination boards, and bring clarity to the international school community on the provision of 2021 examinations.