Exam algorithm will punish pupils from struggling areas with lower grades, Labour warns

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Some 15.2 per cent were cut in the poorest communities, compared with just 6.9 per cent in the most affluent areas, Labour said – because “prior attainment” in schools was used. It showed “what can go wrong when computer algorithms drive students’ grades, and politicians wash their hands of responsibility”, said Kate Green, Labour’s shadow education secretary. “Young people deserve to have their hard work assessed on merit, but the system risks baking in inequality and doing most harm to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, those from ethnic minority groups and those with special educational needs and disabilities.” Results are calculated using estimates made by teachers based on a pupil's performance over the school year but are then moderated. In her letter, Ms Green alleged that “a generation of young Scots” had been failed, adding: “We cannot allow that to happen here in England next week.” She urged Mr Williamson to explain “what protections the government is putting in place” to prevent a repeat south of the border, and explain the support on offer to pupils planning to make appeals.