Pupils could sit early tests for key GCSES

Ofqual considers back-up plans in case illness stops children from taking exams next summer

‘Having some form of benchmarking test might provide another safety net, should it be needed’

SCHOOLS could be made to sit early tests for GCSES in case they are unable to take them next summer, under plans being drawn up by the exam regulator.

Pupils may have to take national “benchmark” tests in a limited range of subjects – including English and maths – if they cannot take their papers in June or July due to illness or self-isolation.

Ofqual, the exam watchdog, is drawing up contingency plans for next summer’s GCSES and A-levels, which it is due to announce later this month.

Setting national tests is seen as preferable to relying on mock exams which can differ in standard from school to school, a source told the Times Educational Supplement magazine.

“I think many people would agree that trying to assign grades on the basis of anything other than a properly moderated formal test or exam is very difficult as this year shows,” they said. “Therefore having some form of … benchmarking test particularly in those crucial subjects like English and maths – although there are many problems with such a proposal – might nevertheless provide another safety net, should it be needed.”

Meanwhile, the head of Ofsted has warned that schools are sending children home “too readily” amid fears over coronavirus.

Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector of schools, urged ministers to simplify their advice for head teachers on when children need to be sent home to self-isolate to ensure that they are not missing school unnecessarily.

She also said that misinformation and myths were “doing the rounds” among teachers, resulting in schools cutting back on extra-curricular activities.

She made the remarks after official figures revealed that more than half (55 per cent) of secondary schools in England told one or more pupils to stay at home because of coronavirus the week before October half-term.

School attendance in England dropped from 89 per cent to 86 per cent the week before the holiday, according to official figures. Addressing an online National Children and Adult Services Conference, Ms Spielman said: “Myths are doing the rounds about what schools ‘have’ to do, or must not do, such as no singing or swimming and keeping all doors open, no matter the weather.

“There are indications that schools may sometimes be sending pupils home too readily. So, a consolidation and simplification of government advice for schools would be helpful for teachers and parents alike.”

When a student tests positive schools are meant to contact Public Health England or the DFE helpline, who may pass the case on to the local health protection team. They would work with the school to identify any “close contacts” of the pupil who need to isolate.

However, there are concerns that schools are sending home an entire year group when only a smaller group of pupils had close contact with a peer who tested positive.