"This year's A-level students have been severely let down by the government"

Unlike Wales and Northern Ireland, examination boards have refused to consider studies disrupted by Covid, there therefore had a record drop in the number of top ratings
Gillian Kegan (
Image: PA)

This year's A-level students in England have a right to feel mistreated.

Unlike in Wales and Northern Ireland, examination boards have refused to consider studies disrupted by Covid. As a result, there has been a record drop in the number of top ratings awarded. Students who worked hard under the harshest conditions were unfairly penalized. Many will not be able to continue their studies at a university of their choice.

The statement by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan that they shouldn't worry because the results will be forgotten in a few years only adds insult to injury. This Covid generation has been harshly abandoned by the government. Former adviser Sir Kevan Collins has recommended at least £15billion to help those whose education has been interrupted.

Rishi Sunak, then Chancellor, paid only a third of the requested amount. The only person who should be noted is the Prime Minister.
old tale
The Tories first promised to end the rush for GP appointments last September. They made the same pledge in March and repeated it in May. So it's understandable that patients are cynical that Health Secretary Steve Barclay is announcing the same policy again.

Anything that helps stop endless phone waits while trying to book an appointment will be welcome. But it will do nothing to solve the central problem which is the inability of this government to recruit enough local doctors. People are kept on endless waits because the number of GPs has reached an all-time high.
Parky
Michael Parkinson may have dated showbiz royalty, but he never forgot his Barnsley roots. He will be remembered for his great writing, his passion for cricket and his broadcasting prowess. But above all, he was television's greatest interviewer: the A-list interrogator of A-list stars.

Politics Aug 18, 2023 0 51 Add to Reading List

"This year's A-level students have been severely let down by the government"

Unlike Wales and Northern Ireland, examination boards have refused to consider studies disrupted by Covid, there therefore had a record drop in the number of top ratings

Gillian Kegan (

Image: PA)

This year's A-level students in England have a right to feel mistreated.

Unlike in Wales and Northern Ireland, examination boards have refused to consider studies disrupted by Covid. As a result, there has been a record drop in the number of top ratings awarded. Students who worked hard under the harshest conditions were unfairly penalized. Many will not be able to continue their studies at a university of their choice.

The statement by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan that they shouldn't worry because the results will be forgotten in a few years only adds insult to injury. This Covid generation has been harshly abandoned by the government. Former adviser Sir Kevan Collins has recommended at least £15billion to help those whose education has been interrupted.

Rishi Sunak, then Chancellor, paid only a third of the requested amount. The only person who should be noted is the Prime Minister.

old tale

The Tories first promised to end the rush for GP appointments last September. They made the same pledge in March and repeated it in May. So it's understandable that patients are cynical that Health Secretary Steve Barclay is announcing the same policy again.

Anything that helps stop endless phone waits while trying to book an appointment will be welcome. But it will do nothing to solve the central problem which is the inability of this government to recruit enough local doctors. People are kept on endless waits because the number of GPs has reached an all-time high.

Parky

Michael Parkinson may have dated showbiz royalty, but he never forgot his Barnsley roots. He will be remembered for his great writing, his passion for cricket and his broadcasting prowess. But above all, he was television's greatest interviewer: the A-list interrogator of A-list stars.