04 October 2002
Mike Tomlinson, the former chief inspector of schools who led the inquiry into exam boards' results fixing, announced on October 2 that around 50,000 students will have their A-Level grades reviewed.
Education Secretary Estelle Morris, cleared of any involvement in the scandal, welcomed Tomlinson's recommendations. Morris had indicated on September 22 that A-level reform was on the cards, stating that 16–18 year-olds needed 'a broader curriculum', similar to the European further education system.
A senior source close to the DfES this week told Public Finance that the department would 'push ahead quickly with plans to modify or change A-levels.'
An official spokesman added: 'I won't speculate on what sort of long-term changes we will undertake, but that will be our focus from here on. In a way, the findings of the Tomlinson inquiry have made this all the more necessary.'
Tomlinson said that all regrading of A-levels must be completed by October 15 and promised that no grades would be marked down.
Twenty-six subjects – more than twice the original estimate - across three exam boards will be reviewed. 'I hope this will draw to an end the anxiety and uncertainty which has had to be endured by students over the recent weeks,' Tomlinson said.
The Oxford and Cambridge and RSA exam board, regarded as the biggest culprit, said it would 'do its best' to meet the October 15 deadline.
PFoct2002
