Ruth Cadbury MP on Governments exams announcement for 2021

Reacting to the Government’s announcement on exam results for 2021 Ruth Cadbury MP has called for ‘urgent action’ to ensure that there is a ‘level and fair playing field for all students, including those who’ve missed large amounts of schooling’.

Speaking in full after the announcement Ruth said,

“After being urged for months to set out a clear plan on exams, the Government have finally put forward a framework for examinations for 2021.

I cannot understate just how concerned and worried many local schools and students have been about the lack of any long-term planning or support for pupils locally. School staff have been working tirelessly throughout this pandemic, yet we know that students need much more support to ensure that there is a level and fair playing field for them all, especially for those who’ve missed large amounts of schooling.

I’m particularly concerned that the most vulnerable students remain at risk from under-performing and we will see the gap widening between students.

Huge gaps still remain in this Governments approach to education; many students still don’t have laptops or IT equipment to enable them to learn at home if they need to self-isolate and there’s a huge lack of clarity around UCAS and the university application process next summer.

On top of that school staff are being pushed even harder and expected to take on even more roles whilst having their pay frozen.

I intend to meet again with our head teachers to hear first-hand their concerns for the pupils of 2021 and in delivering the new framework given the late roll out.

With the huge gaps that remain I will be raising this again directly with the Government and will keep standing up for local pupils and schools throughout this difficult time. If the Government of the Republic of Ireland were able to announce their plans for 2021 four months ago, then surely the UK Government could have done better than they have for our students and their teachers.”