by Thom Morris

tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

Head teachers from three Gravesham schools have hit out at the marking of GCSE English papers which could threaten youngsters’ futures.

The heads from St John’s, St George’s and Northfleet School for Girls said they were "dissatisfied" with the changes made to marking which has impacted on results.

The National Association of Headteachers recently wrote to Education Secretary Michael Gove and exam regulator Ofqual to call for an inquiry after it was revealed grade boundaries for the exam were changed part way through the year.

In a joint statement from Gravesham heads John Stanley, Anne Southgate and Julie Wilson, they said: "This is an inequitable situation and one which has huge impact on the futures of our young people.

"It cannot go unchallenged and unrectified. We want to see justice done for all our students.

"Despite good results overall in Gravesham, we are dissatisfied with the changes made to the marking of GCSE English which has had such an impact on results for some students.

"The results are not offering anything like parity of standards with exams in English taken earlier this year.

"Students of similar ability taking exams in June have been awarded grades significantly lower than students who took them in January.

"We are highly experienced in predicting outcomes and working with students to ensure they cross grade boundaries and yet we have a significant number who should have received a grade C and did not, despite achieving the marks necessary for a C in January."

Exam boards said boundaries had been moved by as much as 10% part way through the year. Obtaining a C in English is important for pupils looking to go on to college or sixth form to study A-levels.

KCC said it was talking to head teachers across the county before it makes a decision on what to say about the issue.

Ofqual said it would "look closely" at concerns and Ofqual chief regulator Glenys Stacey agreed that there were "questions about how grade boundaries were set".

She said: "We recognise the continuing concerns among students, parents and teachers about this year’s GCSE English results.

"We will look closely at how the results were arrived at. We will do this quickly, but thoroughly, so that we ensure confidence is maintained in our examinations system."