SCHOOLS have welcomed a decision that GCSE and A-level grades will be decided by teachers after exams were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Exams watchdog Ofqual has confirmed that students in England will have their grades determined this summer by using a combination of mock exams, coursework and essays.

James Whittaker, headteacher of Knutsford Academy, said: "We are pleased that this year's exam results process will not see a small number of students affected by an algorithm as was the case last year.

"We are confident we will have a system in place, once we have received further details from the exam boards, that enables students to receive an accurate set of grades based on their attainment and progress over the last two years in which they have been studying their subjects."

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There will be optional assessments set by exam boards for all subjects, but they will not be taken in exam conditions nor decide final grades.

Results will be published earlier in August to allow time to appeal.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said the government had devised 'the best system possible to ensure there is consistency and fairness in how teachers submit grades for their students'.