WSFC is to amend its entry requirements to support new students

Worcester Sixth Form College knows what an anxious time it is for those students awaiting GCSE results this week and has taken steps to support applicants who may also have their grades reduced by Ofqual’s algorithm.

Last week’s A level and Applied results saw many students have their grades reduced below their teachers’ expectations by Ofqual’s algorithm and this appears to have had an inconsistent effect on particular groups of students with those at independent schools being awarded record high grades.

The College has decided that, where students miss out on the grades required to study their chosen A levels or Applied courses, they will look to use the centre assessed grades based on their teacher’s assessment of what they would have achieved had they been able to sit their examinations. The College will also have senior staff available on results day to provide advice to any students anxious about the impact that reduced grades may have on their progression to College, and in the future to university, apprenticeships or employment.

Principal, Ed Senior, said: “My heart goes out to the many A level and Applied students across the country who had their grades reduced through no fault of their own by Ofqual’s algorithm. At Worcester Sixth Form College we have decided to be proactive in helping students who are waiting for important GCSE results this week and who may now be anxious about whether their grades will be unfairly reduced and if so whether they will be able to take their chosen courses. To avoid further upset and uncertainty we want students to be reassured that if their grades are reduced below our entry requirements for a particular course we will still use the grades suggested by their school.”

Any student who would like advice on results day should contact the College on 01905 362600.