New SQA results certificates to be issues from 7 September
As the dust begins to settle after the exam results row, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has announced up to 75,000 new certificates are set to be issues.
The SQA has confirmed certificates will be sent out the week beginning 7 September.
ROW
The SQA found themselves in hot water after downgrading thousands of grades, affecting many students’ future plans to go into higher education.
Grades were originally based on teacher assessments after exams in Scotland were cancelled for the first time since inception due to the conronavirus pandemic.
However, two weeks ago on 4 August, thousands of students were left shocked and disappointed after 125,000 of those estimated grades were downgraded by the SQA.
Today we have provided schools, colleges and local authorities with reports confirming their candidates’ final grades based solely on school and college estimates, as directed by the Deputy First Minister. More details are availble on our website https://t.co/GcDlbRbcb7
— SQA (@sqanews) August 19, 2020
CHANGE
In a U-turn, Education Secretary John Swinney was forced to apologise.
The change in result certificates and re-issue of grades will be completed through the use of existing budgets.
An SQA spokesperson said: Schools and colleges already have the data they need to tell candidates their revised grades, following the decision to award teacher estimates.
“SQA will be sending a report confirming any revisions to grades – including confirming the retention of upgrades – by 21st August. We are aiming to have new certificates issued week beginning 7 September.
“The Alternative Certification Model and recertification will be delivered within previously-approved budgets with no additional funding required. The full cost will be determined at the conclusion of the process.”
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