CCEA's Chief Executive apologises as new A-level results show increase across all grades

By Q Radio news

The Chief Executive of the CCEA exam board has apologised for concerns caused by the algorithm used to assess grades for A-level students last week.

Justin Edwards was speaking at a Stormont Committee meeting this afternoon, where he announced the new A-level result stats.

The new teacher predicted A-level results show that grades have risen across the board.

BREAKING: Justin Edwards, Chief Exec @CCEA_info exam board gives update on new A Level results based on highest result of teacher predictions or CCEA algorithm

14.5% of grades were A* (up 5.6% from 2019)
44.9% of grades were A*-A (up 12.7%)
99.9% of grades were A*-E (up 1.4%) pic.twitter.com/Dm4gI8ey2G

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 21, 2020

A* grades rose by 5.6 percent, while grades between A* and A increased by 12.7% 

There was also a small increase of 1.4% for grades between A* and E.

Apologising for the confusion and frustration caused, Mr Edwards said, "It's clear that, despite our best efforts, the alternative arrangements may have caused greater concern amongst students, parents and teachers during an already stressful time.

"For this I apologise."

Last week, the algorithm originally used saw 37% of A-level grades lowered, which led to a wave of backlash from pupils, teachers and politicians.

On Monday, the Education Minister Peter Weir announced that GCSE grades would be based solely on teacher predictions, while A-level students would be awarded the highest grade either predicted by their teacher or given by the algorithm process.

Speaking about the issues brought by the algorithm last week, Mr Edwards said it was a 'small quantity' of anomalies.