Teachers in Liverpool hit out at Government refusal to cancel exams in January

Teaching bosses in Liverpool say the Government are failing a whole generation by refusing to cancel exams in January.

Around 130 thousand BTEC students will still have to sit exams this month despite the Department of Education cancelling GCSE's and A Levels in the Summer.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will update MP's on assessment plans in the Commons later - hours AFTER the first BTEC tests get underway.

Elaine Bowker is the Principal at City of Liverpool College - she says she's got to try to plan for more than a thousand exams over the next 7 days.

"We're in the middle of the worst pandemic, we're saying stay away but you've got to come in for exams. That's causing absolute chaos. We've got staff who don't want to invigilate these understandably, we've got parents and students inundating us.

"I am so disappointed with the government that they are making an announcement on the day the exams are going ahead. My college will be open for exams but anyone who chooses they can't come to those exams we will be sorting out an alternative for them.

"I've got engineering students, construction students, chefs; the country is based on these essential skills. He'll be making his announcement on A Levels and GCSE's and we've got six months to be thinking about them."

A Department for Education spokesperson said:

“In light of the evolving public health measures, schools and colleges can continue with the vocational and technical exams that are due to take place in January, where they judge it right to do so.

“We understand this is a difficult time but we want to support schools and colleges whose students have worked hard to prepare for assessments and exams where necessary. This may be particularly important for VTQs which require a ‘license to practice’ which can only be fulfilled through practical assessment, such as an electrician.”

“Schools and colleges have already implemented extensive protective measures to make them as safe as possible. We will continue to work with Ofqual, awarding organisations and other stakeholders to discuss the next steps and provide more detail on the way forward, including ensuring other students have a way to progress with as little disruption as possible.”