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Principals disagree with decision to keep GCSE grades

A*-G grades are to remain in place for GCSE pupils with the north refusing to follow changes in England
A*-G grades are to remain in place for GCSE pupils with the north refusing to follow changes in England A*-G grades are to remain in place for GCSE pupils with the north refusing to follow changes in England

School leaders overwhelmingly disagree with a decision to stick with old GCSE grades rather than follow England's move to a numerical system, a survey has found.

Familiar A*-G grades are to remain in place for GCSE pupils with the north refusing to follow England in adopting numbers.

Education minister John O'Dowd consulted on changes following a decision in England to change grading from 2017. Wales will also continue to be alphabetical.

Mr O'Dowd told the assembly that there were no educational arguments for changing to 9-1 like England.

There are fears among principals, however, that pupils receiving grades on the A*-G scale will be at a disadvantage when applying for some university places in future.

Now, a survey conducted by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) in Northern Ireland has found that a majority of members disagree with the minister's decision.

Most principals and their deputies said the 9-1 scale would become accepted and required by universities and employers across Britain and Northern Ireland. They also expressed concern that the new benchmark for a `good GCSE' of grade 5 was higher than the current grade C meaning the two systems would not equate.

Almost nine in every 10 respondents said they disagreed with the decision not to adopt the 9-1 scale. About 85 per cent said pupils with a grade C in the north would be disadvantaged compared to those with a grade 5 in England.

"The results of our survey reflect the widespread belief among school leaders that isolating Northern Ireland from wider GCSE reforms will disadvantage young people," said ASCL Northern Ireland President Stephen Black.

"Our students will be competing for jobs and university places in a wider national labour market with others who will have qualifications potentially perceived as of a higher standard.

"The hard work of pupils and teachers in our schools must be defended and continue to translate into top grades which are recognised and valued nationally both now and in the future."