The United Kingdom has made a U-turn the system it used to award exam grades students hoping to attend university. The government had decided using a controversial algorithm to determine the grades students who were unable to take exams due to COVID-19. The algorithm gave students results that were a grade or two lower than the results predicted teachers. About 40 per cent the final results were downgraded. The results hit the headlines as the scores students who live poorer areas were downgraded. Many of these students did not get university as a result, despite not taking an exam. Scores richer students attending private schools were higher than predicted.
The algorithm turned a scandal for the government as it was accused favoring the rich. Parents and students were furious the government what they saw as gross incompetence and ruining the future, dreams and aspirations of England's young people. One commentator said the algorithm was designed the elite for the elite. its latest U-turn, the government announced that grades will now be awarded based the predictions teachers. Gavin Williamson, the UK Education Secretary, said: "I am sorry the distress this has caused young people and their parents but hope this announcement will now provide the certainty and reassurance they deserve."
