An A levels grades protest will be going ahead in Leeds despite the government’s U-turn on a policy that saw tens of thousands of students' results downgraded.
Event organiser, James Fishwick said the protest will go ahead as planned in Millenium Square, at 2pm today (August 18) as “education is not a commodity that can be backtracked due to public pressure.”
Originally, the protest was arranged after thousands of students were left ‘furious’ by A-level results which were downgraded, causing some to lose places at university.
Following crisis talks on Monday, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said grades will now be based on teachers’ assessments rather than the controversial algorithm devised by regulator Ofqual.
He said: “This has been an extraordinarily difficult year for young people who were unable to take their exams.
“We worked with Ofqual to construct the fairest possible model, but it is clear that the process of allocating grades has resulted in more significant inconsistencies than can be resolved through an appeals process.
“We now believe it is better to offer young people and parents certainty by moving to teacher assessed grades for both A and AS level and GCSE results.
“I am sorry for the distress this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve.”
However, protest organiser James is now calling for Mr Williamson to resign.
He said: “Following the policy U-turn announced by the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, we are now reviewing our aims to now include:
"Gavin Williamson to resign as SoS for Education, having proved his inability to manage his department and the affairs of his department.
“A lenient attitude on behalf of universities and apprenticeship providers towards students who are having to appeal their place and get in contact.
“Making sure their greater support for students in the coming years, if formal exams cannot be sat in the coming years.
“A properly funded education system that allows a child from any background to flourish and learn.
“Fight against entrenched educational elitism that is inherent in British society.
“We are marching to show that this is not merely political mishap that can be reversed - education is not a commodity that can be backtracked due to pressure from the public.”
