TEACHERS have hit out at this year’s exams fiasco after more turmoil and last minute changes were heaped on students at the 11th hour.

On Wednesday evening, exam board Pearson announced a review of all students’ BTEC grades.

The move will bring the results in line with GCSE and A-Levels by marking students based on teacher assessments.

Schools were asked not to give students BTEC grades at GCSE level yesterday and results given out last week will be regraded.

Neil Gallagher, executive headteacher of Colne Community School and College in Brightlingsea, hit out at the last minute change, which came about less than 24 hours before the results were set to be handed out.

He said: “This summer has been unprecedented for all young people taking their GCSE exams.

“I expected the issues highlighted through the release of A-Levels last week would have been resolved by now, so it is disappointing students studying vocational and technical qualifications like BTECs will not be able to get their results today.

“I hope the awarding bodies are able to release these grades as soon as possible to allow our young people effected to secure their post-16 destination.”

Mr Gallagher said despite his frustrations, students had shone and were rightfully excited about their futures.

He said: “I would like to pay tribute to the commitment and efforts of their teachers who have supported our students every step of the way.”

Kate Finch, headteacher of Harwich and Dovercourt School, said the uncertainty amongst pupils had caused them additional mental health worries during an already difficult time.

 “I must express my concerns for our students given the number of issues that have arisen in the past week, including the latest from Pearson. This has had a huge impact on the school community,” she said.

“Our young people have been coping well with the pandemic lockdown measures which already have lead to a number of mental health issues, and now they have had to listen to constant change and U-turn in the systems over grades which will affect their future and stay with them forever. 

“The uncertainty of the situation is stressful for schools, but even more so for the students whose next steps are being decided upon.”

Scott Holder, executive head of Philip Morant College, said the school was “deeply frustrated” with the results period, but praised students achievements.

He said: “To have not been given the opportunity to sit their exams is heartbreaking but the students have done themselves proud by adapting to new ways of working, staying positive and believing in themselves - skills which will be invaluable in their future.”