WATCH: Call for clarity on next year’s exams as £5m wellbeing fund announced

By Michael McHugh, PA and Q Radio News

A secondary school head has urged clarity over the holding of exams next summer.

Education minister Peter Weir visited St Columbanus in Bangor in Co Down on Tuesday to announce a £5 million fund to help support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

Principal Liam Perry said: “The major issue is how they are going to be assessed through the summer of 2021 and whether they are going to have formal examination.”

He said certainty was needed so schools could adjust.

As things stand GCSE, AS and A-level exams will go ahead in Northern Ireland in summer 2021, the education minister has said previously.

Mr Weir said there should be a common playing field with other jurisdictions.

He added: “I cannot afford to go on a solo run.”

The Welsh Government has said its 2021 results will be based on classroom assessments.

Commenting on the funding announcement, Mr Weir said there had been numerous studies carried out across the UK about the negative impact of Covid-19 on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“This is a significant investment which I know will be of benefit to pupils and staff alike.

“It can be used to provide emotional support, nurture, sporting and fun activities and after-school clubs for young people.

“For staff, the funding can be used to support mindfulness, stress-busting and other activities. In addition, educational settings will be able to work with other organisations or improve their physical environments.

“Children and young people have missed so much this year already, it is essential that they, and indeed our staff, are supported and helped in the challenging months ahead.”

The £5 million funding which has been secured to help schools address the new pressures arising as a result of Covid-19 will be provided directly to all schools.