ASCL welcomes this consultation about setting the standards for the new Grade 9s. We believe it is vitally important that this proposal is given careful consideration both in terms of managing the communication strategy and also ensuring that the distribution of grades does not have a detrimental impact on students, so that students receive the grade that reflects their work.

ASCL members fully support the use of statistical predictions for the first award of the new GCSES in order to protect students’ interests. We also believe that a wider range of information should be  used when the statistical modelling is less reliable to ensure a fair distribution of grades.

Read the full response here.