AWARDING GCSEs and A-Levels to students based on teacher assessment, class rank and past performances is the 'fairest way', according to a Barrow head teacher.

Emergency assessment measures were announced yesterday for pupils set to sit A-Levels and GCSEs this summer after the government cancelled summer exams as a result of the Coronavirus crisis.

Pupils taking the exams this summer will now have their grades awarded by a combination of teacher assessment, class rank and the past performance of their schools.

Simon Laheney, head teacher at Furness Academy, said: “Following the eagerly awaited announcement by Ofqual here at Furness Academy, we support Ofqual’s plan for the grading of A-levels and GCSEs following the cancellation of exams.

"We recognise this is a solution brought about in extremis and it is about making the best out of a difficult situation.

“We are confident that Ofqual’s plan is the fairest and most consistent way of grading these qualifications in these circumstances."

And he added: “Furness Academy students can be assured that their teachers know them well, will assess their work with the utmost diligence, and that the process for standardising results will ensure a level playing field nationally.

“Most importantly, it will allow our students to receive the recognition they deserve for all of their efforts and furthermore, it will allow them to progress to the next stage of their lives without hindrance. We will be in touch with Y11 students in the very near future to make sure they understand the process and what is required of their teachers to make these assessments.”