channel4uk--2020-08-07--FactCheck: anger over Scottish exam grades likely to be repeated across the UK

Students in deprived areas of Scotland were more likely to have their grades pulled down by the exams regulator than those in well-off parts of the country , it emerged this week .
Some otherwise high-achieving students complained of being marked down in all-important Highers exams – not because of their own ability or attainment , but because their school had performed badly in the past .
Schools in deprived areas tend to have worse exam records on average .
So the decision to use an institution ’ s historical records in the allocation of grades has affected pupils in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ richer peers .
One student said she was “ devastated and really nervous for the future now ” after the A and two Bs she had been predicted were brought down to three Cs and a D , jeopardising her place at Stirling University .
And it looks like exam watchdogs in the rest of the UK are on track to replicate the Scottish controversies when they release GCSE and A-level grades later this month .
The English , Welsh and Northern Irish regulators all plan to take account of a school ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s grades this year .
Pupils throughout the UK have been unable to sit their usual exams because of the pandemic , leaving regulators with tough choices to make about how to award qualifications .
The Scottish Qualifications Authority ( SQA ) asked schools to estimate what students would have got if teaching and exams had gone ahead as usual .
It then moderated those results in an attempt to even out differences between schools and between years .
As it turns out , the SQA felt that many teachers had been too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half-a-million individual grades submitted by schools , 124,564 were adjusted down .
Fewer than 10,000 were bumped up .
Nearly all the adjusted results ( 96 per cent ) were changed by a single grade .
One of the factors that the SQA used to decide whether a grade should be changed is the school ’ s performance over the last four years .
For some individual students , this was very significant .
Previously high-achieving pupils who were on track for top marks had their grades reduced to reflect their school ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own work and abilities .
And it had a disproportionate effect on students in economically disadvantaged areas .
This seems to be because the poorer the area , the more likely the school is to have a bad exam record .
In the most deprived areas of Scotland , SQA moderators reduced the proportion of students getting A-C grades in their Highers by 15 percentage points compared to teacher estimates .
In the richest parts of the country , they were brought down by 7 points .
Asked about this disparity at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Channel 4 News the new moderation system was “ necessary to make sure we have a credible – and that ’ s important for young people – system of results ” .
She added : “ Without that system of moderation , I would be saying that 85 per cent of young people in our most deprived areas had passed Highers this year , compared to around 65 per cent last year and in previous years.
” “ Poorer young people don ’ t do as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something we are working very , very hard , from the early years right through our school system , to try to rectify.
” She said students in Scotland would be able to appeal their grades .
What ’ s happening in the rest of the UK ?
It looks like regulators in England , Wales and Northern Ireland are on course to replicate these controversies when GCSE and A-level grades are released this month .
Ofqual , the English exams watchdog , has its own rules for moderating grades .
We won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results day , but it seems they ’ ve adopted a similar moderation process to Scotland , which could see pupils downgraded simply because of where they go to school .
Ofqual guidance says their model will “ consider each centre [ school or college ] individually , comparing centre assessment grades to the centre ’ s historical results taking into account the prior attainment of the current students , to judge whether its centre assessment grades are more generous or severe than predicted ” .
In other words , they ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( teachers ’ estimates of what their students should have got ) by looking at the school ’ s past performance .
That ’ s what proved to be the sticking point in Scotland .
And Ofqual seems to explicitly rule out the use of data on individual students : “ The process will consider prior attainment at centre level , not at individual student level ; students ’ individual performance will not be predetermined by their prior attainment at Key Stage 2 or GCSE.
” So it ’ s possible that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top marks throughout their academic careers will have their A-level grades reduced if their school has historically performed badly .
This concern was raised with Ofqual in the spring during its public consultation on how to moderate school-estimated grades this year .
In the summary of responses , the regulator quotes a teacher as saying : “ I am worried that individuals who would have excelled given the chance to sit exams are going to be unfairly penalised due to poor performance of their predecessors.
” And the effects won ’ t just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ turnaround schools ” – institutions that have recently improved their exam results – risk being penalised today for past failings .
Responding to the Qfqual consultation , a school or college said : “ For schools which have struggled in the past and are predicting a steep improvement in results , it would be devastating to use historical results.
” But Ofqual says : “ While we recognise that a small number of centres would like standardised grades to reflect their recent or expected improvements in results , our research into GCSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improves ( or deteriorates ) consistently in the short term .
On balance , it is therefore best not to try to predict improvements in performance.
” An Ofqual spokesperson told FactCheck : “ Although exams have been cancelled because of coronavirus , most students will still be able to move on to further study or employment as planned , with calculated grades – based on judgements from their schools or colleges and standardised by exam boards to make sure they ’ re consistent between centres.
” The regulator confirmed last night that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal grades if they can show that historic data does not represent this year ’ s cohort .
But unlike in Scotland , individual pupils will not be able to challenge their marks .
Meanwhile the Welsh exams watchdog , Qualifications Wales , will also be using “ historic performance , adjusted for the ability of this year ’ s cohort ” to work out if teacher ’ s estimates should be changed .
A spokesperson told FactCheck : “ The approach to awarding this year ’ s grades has been carefully thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the circumstances and to protect the value of results .
The standardisation process will use information about an exams centre ’ s historic performance , but this will be adjusted to reflect this year ’ s students so that learners across Wales are treated in the fairest possible way.
” Qualifications Wales says that the teacher-estimated grades were “ generous ” .
Without standardisation , 40 per cent of A-levels would have received a grade A* or A , compared to 27 per cent in 2019 .
Such an increase “ would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the watchdog ’ s chief executive , Philip Blaker .
And in Northern Ireland , the regulator will also use a school ’ s results in the previous three years as part of the “ statistical standardisation model ” to work out if teachers are being too harsh or too generous .
We won ’ t know how much weight the regulators will put on historic records until the results are published .
But the fact that all three intend to use this data when moderating this year ’ s students means it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll see the controversies in Scotland replicated throughout the UK this month .

Students in deprived areas of Scotland were more likely to have their grades pulled down by the exams regulator than those in well-off parts of the country, it emerged this week.
Some otherwise high-achieving students complained of being marked down in all-important Highers exams – not because of their own ability or attainment, but because their school had performed badly in the past.
Schools in deprived areas tend to have worse exam records on average. So the decision to use an institution’s historical records in the allocation of grades has affected pupils in poorer parts of Scotland more than their richer peers.
One student said she was “devastated and really nervous for the future now” after the A and two Bs she had been predicted were brought down to three Cs and a D, jeopardising her place at Stirling University.
And it looks like exam watchdogs in the rest of the UK are on track to replicate the Scottish controversies when they release GCSE and A-level grades later this month. The English, Welsh and Northern Irish regulators all plan to take account of a school’s past performance when adjusting student’s grades this year.
What happened in Scotland?
Pupils throughout the UK have been unable to sit their usual exams because of the pandemic, leaving regulators with tough choices to make about how to award qualifications.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) asked schools to estimate what students would have got if teaching and exams had gone ahead as usual. It then moderated those results in an attempt to even out differences between schools and between years.
As it turns out, the SQA felt that many teachers had been too generous with their estimates. Of the half-a-million individual grades submitted by schools, 124,564 were adjusted down. Fewer than 10,000 were bumped up. Nearly all the adjusted results (96 per cent) were changed by a single grade.
One of the factors that the SQA used to decide whether a grade should be changed is the school’s performance over the last four years.
For some individual students, this was very significant. Previously high-achieving pupils who were on track for top marks had their grades reduced to reflect their school’s past performance, rather than their own work and abilities.
And it had a disproportionate effect on students in economically disadvantaged areas. This seems to be because the poorer the area, the more likely the school is to have a bad exam record.
In the most deprived areas of Scotland, SQA moderators reduced the proportion of students getting A-C grades in their Highers by 15 percentage points compared to teacher estimates. In the richest parts of the country, they were brought down by 7 points.
Asked about this disparity at a recent press conference, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Channel 4 News the new moderation system was “necessary to make sure we have a credible – and that’s important for young people – system of results”.
She added: “Without that system of moderation, I would be saying that 85 per cent of young people in our most deprived areas had passed Highers this year, compared to around 65 per cent last year and in previous years.”
“Poorer young people don’t do as well as more affluent young people and that is something we are working very, very hard, from the early years right through our school system, to try to rectify.”
She said students in Scotland would be able to appeal their grades.
What’s happening in the rest of the UK?
It looks like regulators in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are on course to replicate these controversies when GCSE and A-level grades are released this month.
Ofqual, the English exams watchdog, has its own rules for moderating grades. We won’t know the precise details until results day, but it seems they’ve adopted a similar moderation process to Scotland, which could see pupils downgraded simply because of where they go to school.
Ofqual guidance says their model will “consider each centre [school or college] individually, comparing centre assessment grades to the centre’s historical results taking into account the prior attainment of the current students, to judge whether its centre assessment grades are more generous or severe than predicted”.
In other words, they’ll be adjusting “centre assessment grades” (teachers’ estimates of what their students should have got) by looking at the school’s past performance. That’s what proved to be the sticking point in Scotland.
And Ofqual seems to explicitly rule out the use of data on individual students: “The process will consider prior attainment at centre level, not at individual student level; students’ individual performance will not be predetermined by their prior attainment at Key Stage 2 or GCSE.”
So it’s possible that, as in Scotland, students who achieved top marks throughout their academic careers will have their A-level grades reduced if their school has historically performed badly.
This concern was raised with Ofqual in the spring during its public consultation on how to moderate school-estimated grades this year. In the summary of responses, the regulator quotes a teacher as saying: “I am worried that individuals who would have excelled given the chance to sit exams are going to be unfairly penalised due to poor performance of their predecessors.”
And the effects won’t just be felt by individual students. So-called “turnaround schools” – institutions that have recently improved their exam results – risk being penalised today for past failings.
Responding to the Qfqual consultation, a school or college said: “For schools which have struggled in the past and are predicting a steep improvement in results, it would be devastating to use historical results.”
But Ofqual says: “While we recognise that a small number of centres would like standardised grades to reflect their recent or expected improvements in results, our research into GCSE grading shows the performance of centres rarely improves (or deteriorates) consistently in the short term. On balance, it is therefore best not to try to predict improvements in performance.”
An Ofqual spokesperson told FactCheck: “Although exams have been cancelled because of coronavirus, most students will still be able to move on to further study or employment as planned, with calculated grades – based on judgements from their schools or colleges and standardised by exam boards to make sure they’re consistent between centres.”
The regulator confirmed last night that schools in England will be allowed to appeal grades if they can show that historic data does not represent this year’s cohort. But unlike in Scotland, individual pupils will not be able to challenge their marks.
Meanwhile the Welsh exams watchdog, Qualifications Wales, will also be using “historic performance, adjusted for the ability of this year’s cohort” to work out if teacher’s estimates should be changed.
A spokesperson told FactCheck: “The approach to awarding this year’s grades has been carefully thought through to be as fair as possible in the circumstances and to protect the value of results. The standardisation process will use information about an exams centre’s historic performance, but this will be adjusted to reflect this year’s students so that learners across Wales are treated in the fairest possible way.”
Qualifications Wales says that the teacher-estimated grades were “generous”. Without standardisation, 40 per cent of A-levels would have received a grade A* or A, compared to 27 per cent in 2019. Such an increase “would not be credible”, according to the watchdog’s chief executive, Philip Blaker.
And in Northern Ireland, the regulator will also use a school’s results in the previous three years as part of the “statistical standardisation model” to work out if teachers are being too harsh or too generous.
A spokesperson for the Northern Irish CCEA told FactCheck: “In the absence of the summer 2020 examination series, CCEA was directed by the Minister for Education to award grades to learners that would allow them to progress to further study or employment. An important element of the instruction was that qualification standards were maintained and the distribution of grades would follow a similar profile to that in previous years. We were required to use teacher professional judgment with statistical standardisation to achieve this.”
They also told us: “if centre assessment grades were not standardised, we would see results for 2020 that were significantly higher than have ever been seen before. Improvement on such a scale in a single year would significantly undermine the value of the qualifications that the student will receive. Therefore standardisation was essential to ensure the value of qualifications were maintained.”
We won’t know how much weight the regulators will put on historic records until the results are published. But the fact that all three intend to use this data when moderating this year’s students means it’s entirely possible that we’ll see the controversies in Scotland replicated throughout the UK this month.


channel4uk--2020-08-08--Wretch 32 on ninth anniversary of Mark Duggan’s death: ‘It feels like there’s no progression’

Rapper Wretch 32 – whose father was tasered by police inside his home in April – was among hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ police station in North London today demanding racial justice .
The protest was called on @ @ @ @ @ death of Mark Duggan , a 29-year-old black man who was shot by a police @ @ @ @ @ the capital and beyond .
We managed to catch up with Wretch and began by @ @ @ @ @ he thinks things have got better nine years on .

Rapper Wretch 32 – whose father was tasered by police inside his home in April – was among hundreds of protestors who gathered outside Tottenham police station in North London today demanding racial justice.
The protest was called on the ninth anniversary of the death of Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old black man who was shot by a police officer – sparking riots across the capital and beyond.
We managed to catch up with Wretch and began by asking him whether or not he thinks things have got better nine years on.


channel4uk--2020-08-08--Police say arrest of man driving home after Channel 4 News interview about police racism was lawful

In May we interviewed a young man about his views on police racism , and his recent experience of a @ @ @ @ @ his way home from that interview – Ryan Colaço was stopped and searched again – @ @ @ @ @ window while arresting him .
City of London police now accept the state in which @ @ @ @ @ him was “ unacceptable ” but insist his arrest was lawful .
Campaigners say its @ @ @ @ @ in policing .

In May we interviewed a young man about his views on police racism, and his recent experience of a stop and search.
On his way home from that interview – Ryan Colaço was stopped and searched again – with officers smashing his car window while arresting him.
City of London police now accept the state in which his car was returned to him was “unacceptable” but insist his arrest was lawful.
Campaigners say its just one example of discrimination in policing.


channel4uk--2020-08-08--Home Office requests military support over migrant crossings

The Ministry of Defence says it is considering a formal request from the Home Office to support Border force officials @ @ @ @ @ – where migrants are trying to enter the UK .
Record numbers of people have @ @ @ @ @ across the Channel in small boats .

The Ministry of Defence says it is considering a formal request from the Home Office to support Border force officials in the waters off Dover – where migrants are trying to enter the UK.
Record numbers of people have been attempting the risky journey across the Channel in small boats.


channel4uk--2020-08-08--Former Lebanon MP Marwan Hamadeh: Political institutions are ‘mafia taking control’ of country

Earlier we spoke to Marwan Hamadeh , who resigned as an MP earlier this week in protest at the Government @ @ @ @ @ disaster – and asked him who should be held responsible for the devastation in Beirut @

Earlier we spoke to Marwan Hamadeh, who resigned as an MP earlier this week in protest at the Government’s handling of the disaster – and asked him who should be held responsible for the devastation in Beirut?


channel4uk--2020-08-08--Beirut blast sparks violence and widespread protests in Lebanon

Clashes have broken out between protesters and security forces in the Lebanese capital Beirut – amid growing anger over the @ @ @ @ @ corruption and incompetence , in the wake of Tuesday ’ s devastating explosion .
One @ @ @ @ @ officers – have tonight stormed the Foreign ministry building , declaring it would become the @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Tonight the Prime minister has said an early election is the only way @ @ @ @ @ Our international editor Lindsey Hilsum is in Beirut .

Clashes have broken out between protesters and security forces in the Lebanese capital Beirut – amid growing anger over the country’s widespread political corruption and incompetence, in the wake of Tuesday’s devastating explosion.
One group – including former army officers – have tonight stormed the Foreign ministry building, declaring it would become the headquarters for “a revolution”.
Tonight the Prime minister has said an early election is the only way out of the crisis.
Our international editor Lindsey Hilsum is in Beirut.


channel4uk--2020-08-09--750,000 virus testing kits recalled – as strict lockdown measures enforced in Preston

Strict lockdown measures are now being enforced in Preston – with separate households banned from meeting each other anywhere indoors @ @ @ @ @ substantially in the last week .
And up to three quarters of a million unused @ @ @ @ @ sent to care homes and private homes across the UK are being recalled as a @ @ @ @ @ Our home affairs correspondent Darshna Soni is in Preston .

Strict lockdown measures are now being enforced in Preston – with separate households banned from meeting each other anywhere indoors, after coronavirus cases rose substantially in the last week.
And up to three quarters of a million unused Randox testing kits which were sent to care homes and private homes across the UK are being recalled as a “precautionary measure”.
Our home affairs correspondent Darshna Soni is in Preston.


channel4uk--2020-08-09--Mauritius declare state of environmental emergency after huge oil spill

Local volunteers in Mauritius are scrambling to try and stop leaking oil from a grounded tanker from spreading even further @ @ @ @ @ two weeks ago on a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island – with 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ .
Satellite images show the slick in the surrounding waters – as Mauritius declared a @ @ @ @ @

Local volunteers in Mauritius are scrambling to try and stop leaking oil from a grounded tanker from spreading even further.
MV Wakashio ran aground two weeks ago on a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island – with 4,000 tons of fuel on board.
Satellite images show the slick in the surrounding waters – as Mauritius declared a state of environmental emergency.


channel4uk--2020-08-09--Lawyers warn plans to use navy to tackle migrant crossings could be unlawful

Record numbers of migrants are risking the journey in small boats across the Channel to reach the UK – with @ @ @ @ @ the crossing so far this year .
Today 12 people were taken ashore in Dover @ @ @ @ @ boat – while lawyers have warned that the Government ’ s plan to send in @ @ @ @ @ the number of crossings would be dangerous and unlawful .

Record numbers of migrants are risking the journey in small boats across the Channel to reach the UK – with more than 4,000 people making the crossing so far this year.
Today 12 people were taken ashore in Dover by a Border Force patrol boat – while lawyers have warned that the Government’s plan to send in the Royal Navy to tackle the number of crossings would be dangerous and unlawful.
Anja Popp is in Dover.


channel4uk--2020-08-09--‘We want to give the parents and the kids the confidence that schools are going to be safe’, says Na

‘We want to give the parents and the kids the confidence that schools are going to be safe’, says National Education Union executive Jerry Glazier

We are joined by Jerry Glazier , who ’ s a teacher and a member of the National Education Union @ @

We are joined by Jerry Glazier, who’s a teacher and a member of the National Education Union executive.


channel4uk--2020-08-09--‘Moral duty’ to send children back to school by September, says Boris Johnson

The national priority and a moral duty .
Boris Johnson has made it clear he wants all schoolchildren in England @ @ @ @ @ classrooms by September .
But ministers have rejected a call by the Children ’ s @ @ @ @ @ for pupils and staff – saying increased hygiene and social distancing measures would be the @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Schools in Scotland are due to return on Tuesday – with separate plans @ @ @ @ @ .

The national priority and a moral duty. Boris Johnson has made it clear he wants all schoolchildren in England to be back in their classrooms by September.
But ministers have rejected a call by the Children’s Commissioner for routine virus testing for pupils and staff – saying increased hygiene and social distancing measures would be the main way of controlling the virus.
Schools in Scotland are due to return on Tuesday – with separate plans for Wales and Northern Ireland.
Our home affairs correspondent Darshna Soni reports.


channel4uk--2020-08-09--Labour MP Dawn Butler says Met Police ‘systematically racist’ – after stopped by police in London

The Labour MP Dawn Butler was stopped by the police this afternoon while she was in a car driving through Hackney in East London – and she recorded the whole incident on her phone .
Fellow Labour MPs have rallied to her support , with Diane Abbot declaring “ when will the Metropolitan police give up on racial profiling ?
” .
We spoke to Ms Butler and asked her if she felt she was racially profiled .
The Met Police said in a statement : Prior to stopping the vehicle , an officer incorrectly entered the registration into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered to an address in Yorkshire .
Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with the driver , it quickly became apparent that the registration had been entered incorrectly and was registered to the driver in London .
Once the mistake was realised the officer sought to explain this to the occupants ; they were then allowed on their way .
No searches were carried out on any individuals .
One of the occupants has since been contacted by a senior officer and they have discussed the stop , subsequent interaction as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further with the occupants if they wish to do so .

The Labour MP Dawn Butler was stopped by the police this afternoon while she was in a car driving through Hackney in East London – and she recorded the whole incident on her phone.
Fellow Labour MPs have rallied to her support, with Diane Abbot declaring “when will the Metropolitan police give up on racial profiling?”.
We spoke to Ms Butler and asked her if she felt she was racially profiled.
The Met Police said in a statement:
Prior to stopping the vehicle, an officer incorrectly entered the registration into a police computer which identified the car as registered to an address in Yorkshire.
Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with the driver, it quickly became apparent that the registration had been entered incorrectly and was registered to the driver in London.
Once the mistake was realised the officer sought to explain this to the occupants; they were then allowed on their way.
No searches were carried out on any individuals.
One of the occupants has since been contacted by a senior officer and they have discussed the stop, subsequent interaction as well as feedback regarding the stop.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further with the occupants if they wish to do so.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Support service cuts having devastating impact on people with learning disabilities, charity warns

Carers for severely disabled vulnerable people saw their already overstretched support services all but disappear because of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ the vast majority of carers in the UK , according to one leading charity .
@ @ @ @ @ day services , personal care in the home and respite for carers have had a @ @ @ @ @ a learning disability and their families .

Carers for severely disabled vulnerable people saw their already overstretched support services all but disappear because of the pandemic.
This is the reality for the vast majority of carers in the UK, according to one leading charity.
Mencap warns that cuts to day services, personal care in the home and respite for carers have had a devastating impact on people with a learning disability and their families.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Refugee explains why he risked his life crossing the English Channel

Ahmad Al-Rashid crossed the Aegean Sea by boat and came to the UK smuggled by lorry .
He now has @ @ @ @ @ help others coming to live in the UK .

Ahmad Al-Rashid crossed the Aegean Sea by boat and came to the UK smuggled by lorry. He now has refugee status and works to help others coming to live in the UK.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--French and British ministers to meet to discuss Channel crossings

Tomorrow , the immigration minister is due to meet French officials in Paris to discuss record numbers of immigrants risking @ @ @ @ @ English Channel .

Tomorrow, the immigration minister is due to meet French officials in Paris to discuss record numbers of immigrants risking their lives by crossing the English Channel.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Home secretary meets with Border Force over record numbers of migrants crossing English Channel

The Home Secretary Priti Patel was in Dover today meeting Border Force officers after record numbers of people risked the @ @ @ @ @ the Channel UK .
Boris Johnson has also called for tougher laws to make it @ @ @ @ @ from the UK .

The Home Secretary Priti Patel was in Dover today meeting Border Force officers after record numbers of people risked the journey in small boats across the Channel UK.
Boris Johnson has also called for tougher laws to make it easier to deport people back from the UK.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Hong Kong media tycoon arrested under new security law

There has been global condemnation over a series of arrests in Hong Kong under the new security law there .
@ @ @ @ @ businessman and newspaper owner Jimmy Lai , a vocal supporter of anti-Beijing protests .

There has been global condemnation over a series of arrests in Hong Kong under the new security law there. They included that of prominent businessman and newspaper owner Jimmy Lai, a vocal supporter of anti-Beijing protests.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Belarus: Opposition rejects Sunday’s election win for ‘Europe’s last dictator’

As landslides go , winning 80 percent of the vote may seem modest for the man dubbed Europe ’ s @ @ @ @ @ what the election commission in Belarus has declared for Alexander Lukashenko , who has led @ @ @ @ @ 26 years .
But opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , wife of a jailed critic , @ @ @ @ @ result .
Protesters have taken to the streets of the capital Minsk with police using @ @ @ @ @ .

As landslides go, winning 80 percent of the vote may seem modest for the man dubbed Europe’s last dictator. That is what the election commission in Belarus has declared for Alexander Lukashenko, who has led the country for the last 26 years.
But opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, wife of a jailed critic, is refusing to recognise the result. Protesters have taken to the streets of the capital Minsk with police using rubber bullets and water cannons.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Ex-Ofsted chief: Students ‘must have the right to appeal’ exam grading decisions

Sir Michael Wilshaw was the Chief Inspector of Schools in England and is a former head teacher .

Sir Michael Wilshaw was the Chief Inspector of Schools in England and is a former head teacher.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Coronavirus contact tracers to be cut in England

Thousands of NHS test-and-trace staff will lose their jobs by the end of August .
The remaining 12,000 staff will @ @ @ @ @ teams to reach people who may be infected .
The decision comes after the prime @ @ @ @ @ do the right thing ” and get all children back to school next month .
@ @ @ @ @ face criticism of England ’ s test-and-trace system , with unions and teachers saying it @ @ @ @ @ schools open in three weeks .
Today , the Trade Union Congress and the Mayors @ @ @ @ @ said that if the system was to work , people needed to be paid to @ @ @ @ @ s other main developments , there were 21 deaths recorded , bringing the total 46,526 @ @ @ @ @ in the UK has risen by 816 today .

Thousands of NHS test-and-trace staff will lose their jobs by the end of August. The remaining 12,000 staff will work alongside local public health teams to reach people who may be infected.
The decision comes after the prime minister has pledged to “do the right thing” and get all children back to school next month. But Boris Johnson continues to face criticism of England’s test-and-trace system, with unions and teachers saying it needs to be improved before schools open in three weeks.
Today, the Trade Union Congress and the Mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool said that if the system was to work, people needed to be paid to self-isolate.
In today’s other main developments, there were 21 deaths recorded, bringing the total 46,526. The number of cases in the UK has risen by 816 today.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Lebanese politician who quit over explosion says Hezbollah ‘controls everything’

We ’ re joined by Nadim Gemayel , a former member of the Lebanese Parliament for the Kataeb Party , @ @ @ @ @ earlier today .
He is the son of former Lebanese President-elect Bachir Gemayel , who @ @ @ @ @

We’re joined by Nadim Gemayel, a former member of the Lebanese Parliament for the Kataeb Party, who submitted his official resignation earlier today. He is the son of former Lebanese President-elect Bachir Gemayel, who was assassinated in 1982.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Lebanon’s entire government resigns amid anger over Beirut explosion

After days of mounting pressure Lebanon ’ s prime minister has announced his government ’ s resignation .
It comes @ @ @ @ @ Beirut port which killed more than 200 people and destroyed large swathes of the capital @ @ @ @ @ there have been clashes with protesters taking to the streets to express their anger at @ @ @ @ @ .
The prime minister this evening admitted the blast was a result of endemic corruption @

After days of mounting pressure Lebanon’s prime minister has announced his government’s resignation.
It comes after the catastrophic explosion in Beirut port which killed more than 200 people and destroyed large swathes of the capital Beirut. Since then, there have been clashes with protesters taking to the streets to express their anger at the government’s incompetence.
The prime minister this evening admitted the blast was a result of endemic corruption.


channel4uk--2020-08-10--Sturgeon apologises to Scottish students for low exam grades

Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has apologised to thousands of students who received lower exam grades than they @ @ @ @ @ the process of deciding the results had not given enough consideration to individual pupil ’ @ @ @ @ @ to fix it .

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has apologised to thousands of students who received lower exam grades than they expected.
Ms Sturgeon said the process of deciding the results had not given enough consideration to individual pupil’s grades and she promised to fix it.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--UK and France seek to ‘completely cut’ migrant boat route across English Channel

The surge in people trying to reach the UK by crossing the Channel is “ completely unacceptable ” , the @ @ @ @ @ after talks with French officials in Paris .
Chris Philp promised a “ comprehensive plan @ @ @ @ @ route entirely , although quite how he would achieve that isn ’ t yet clear @ @ @ @ @ have already made the risky crossing on small boats so far this year – with @ @ @ @ @ people up by the day .

The surge in people trying to reach the UK by crossing the Channel is “completely unacceptable”, the immigration minister has declared – after talks with French officials in Paris.
Chris Philp promised a “comprehensive plan” to cut off the route entirely, although quite how he would achieve that isn’t yet clear.
More than 4,000 people have already made the risky crossing on small boats so far this year – with Border Force patrols picking more people up by the day.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--Belarus opposition leader flees amid Lukashenko election-rigging allegations

The main opposition leader in Belarus says she fled the country “ for the sake of her children ” after @ @ @ @ @ was rigged .
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is now said to be safe in neighbouring Lithuania .
@ @ @ @ @ s been in power for 26 years – won a sixth term in office with @ @ @ @ @ votes – but there are widespread claims of fraud .
Protests have broken out for @ @ @ @ @ sparking violent clashes with police .
And a warning , there are bright flashes from @ @ @ @

Warning: this report contains flashing images.
The main opposition leader in Belarus says she fled the country “for the sake of her children” after claiming the presidential election result was rigged.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is now said to be safe in neighbouring Lithuania. President Lukashenko – who’s been in power for 26 years – won a sixth term in office with 80 per cent of the votes – but there are widespread claims of fraud.
Protests have broken out for the last two nights, sparking violent clashes with police.
And a warning, there are bright flashes from the very start.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--Scotland Exams: Are working class children losing faith in the education system?

After months of online learning – schools across Scotland have been busy getting classrooms ready for pupils to return safely @ @ @ @ @ finding out what they ’ re doing here .

After months of online learning – schools across Scotland have been busy getting classrooms ready for pupils to return safely.
We’ve been finding out what they’re doing here.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--Students react to Scottish government’s u-turn over ‘downgraded’ exam results

Tens of thousands of Scottish pupils will have their exam results upgraded after a dramatic u-turn by Scotland ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about turn followed outrage over this year ’ s results with concerns that @ @ @ @ @ had been unfairly treated .
Pupils in Scotland are starting a phased return to school @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a mixture of anticipation at seeing their friends again and anxiety over all @ @ @ @ @ which have had to be put in place .

Tens of thousands of Scottish pupils will have their exam results upgraded after a dramatic u-turn by Scotland’s education secretary.
John Swinney’s about turn followed outrage over this year’s results with concerns that students from less affluent backgrounds had been unfairly treated.
Pupils in Scotland are starting a phased return to school this week – and there’s a mixture of anticipation at seeing their friends again and anxiety over all the health and safety measures which have had to be put in place.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--Beirut explosion: Anti-government vigils held one week after tragedy

Thousands of people have held a vigil in Beirut , a week after the devastating explosion which the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ 220 people dead .
Thousands of others were injured in the blast which triggered a @ @ @ @ @ entire government to resign .

Thousands of people have held a vigil in Beirut, a week after the devastating explosion which the city’s governor said has left 220 people dead.
Thousands of others were injured in the blast which triggered a political crisis, forcing the entire government to resign.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--Boris Johnson has ‘no doubts’ it’s safe for children to go back to school

The government has said that a further 1,148 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in 24 hours – that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ June .
And 102 more deaths have been reported across the UK .
Meanwhile Public @ @ @ @ @ release a report into how children transmit Covid-19 between themselves as well as to adults @ @ @ @ @ are to the disease .
It ’ s understood that their study will distinguish between @ @ @ @ @ and those aged from ten to 19 .
Boris Johnson again insisted today he had @ @ @ @ @ English schools could reopen safely .

The government has said that a further 1,148 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in 24 hours – that’s the highest daily figure since June.
And 102 more deaths have been reported across the UK.
Meanwhile Public Health England are due to release a report into how children transmit Covid-19 between themselves as well as to adults. And how susceptible they are to the disease.
It’s understood that their study will distinguish between children aged under ten – and those aged from ten to 19.
Boris Johnson again insisted today he had ‘no doubts’ that English schools could reopen safely.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--Scotland’s Education Secretary quizzed over exam result U-turn

We speak to the Education Secretary and Deputy First Minister for Scotland , John Swinney , and begin by putting @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t really think these restored exam results are credible .

We speak to the Education Secretary and Deputy First Minister for Scotland, John Swinney, and begin by putting it to him that he doesn’t really think these restored exam results are credible.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--Over 100,000 exam results to be upgraded after Scottish government u-turn

In Scotland , schools have been welcoming back teachers and pupils after almost five months away .
It comes as @ @ @ @ @ are to get their exam results upgraded – as the Scottish education secretary acknowledged the @ @ @ @ @ that teachers ’ estimated grades had been changed – saying it was “ deeply regrettable @ @ @ @ @ .
The outcry began when many students found out they ’ d been given lower @ @ @ @ @ expecting – claiming that schools in the most deprived areas had been penalised .

In Scotland, schools have been welcoming back teachers and pupils after almost five months away.
It comes as around 75,000 pupils across Scotland are to get their exam results upgraded – as the Scottish education secretary acknowledged the “feeling of unfairness” that teachers’ estimated grades had been changed – saying it was “deeply regrettable we got this wrong”.
The outcry began when many students found out they’d been given lower grades than they had been expecting – claiming that schools in the most deprived areas had been penalised.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--Scotland Yard shelves Stephen Lawrence murder investigation

Scotland Yard say they have now put the Stephen Lawrence murder investigation on hold – after admitting they had been @ @ @ @ @ convictions .
The Met commissioner Cressida Dick described it as “ deeply frustrating ” that @ @ @ @ @ brought to justice .
Stephen ’ s mother Baroness Lawrence said “ while the Metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ I never will ” – adding that it was never too late to give a @ @ @ @ @ of her son .

Scotland Yard say they have now put the Stephen Lawrence murder investigation on hold – after admitting they had been unable to secure any further convictions.
The Met commissioner Cressida Dick described it as “deeply frustrating” that other suspects had not been brought to justice.
Stephen’s mother Baroness Lawrence said “while the Metropolitan police have given up, I never will” – adding that it was never too late to give a mother justice for the murder of her son.


channel4uk--2020-08-11--UK employment drops by largest amount in a decade

The pandemic is continuing to wreak severe damage on the economy – as new figures show there are almost three @ @ @ @ @ employees on company pay rolls than since lockdown began .
And economists are warning of @ @ @ @ @ ” – once furlough schemes come to an end .

The pandemic is continuing to wreak severe damage on the economy – as new figures show there are almost three quarters of a million fewer employees on company pay rolls than since lockdown began.
And economists are warning of a “looming cliff edge” – once furlough schemes come to an end.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--FactCheck: how will exam results in England, Wales and NI work?

Students in England , Wales and Northern Ireland are waiting anxiously for their A-level results , which are due out on Thursday .
The Education Secretary , Gavin Williamson , announced a “ triple lock ” for pupils in England late last night , just hours after the Scottish government was forced into a u-turn over its own exams process .
So what ’ s going on ?
And what can students expect tomorrow morning ?
Exam regulators in all four nations of the UK asked schools to estimate what students would have got if teaching and exams had happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then moderated the estimates – meaning some grades will be reduced , while others bumped up .
As FactCheck reported last week , authorities in England , Wales and Northern Ireland intend to use a school ’ s past performance as part of the calculation when deciding whether teachers have been too harsh or too generous .
That was the sticking point in Scotland when all-important Higher results were published last week .
It meant that some otherwise high-achieving students were marked down – not because of their own ability or attainment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past .
The Scottish government abandoned that system yesterday afternoon and said any grade that was lowered by the moderation process would be replaced with the teacher-estimated result .
Hours later , Gavin Williamson announced that students in England “ could accept their calculated grade , appeal to receive a valid mock result , or sit autumn exams ” .
They ’ ll get to keep whichever of those grades is highest .
Allowing students to appeal using their mock exams as evidence is the new element .
The Department for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional safety net to the system of calculated grades , which is the fairest possible approach in the absence of exams ” .
It won ’ t be students who launch the appeals – they ’ ll have to go through their school .
And if schools want to use mock exam results to challenge a grade , they ’ ll have to prove to the regulator , Ofqual , that the tests were sat in exam conditions , says junior education minister Nick Gibb .
The prospect of pupils sitting exams in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also proving controversial , as students fear it could delay or clash with their plans to start university .
A-level results day is when most university places are allocated .
The government has asked universities to be flexible in their offers .
A spokesperson for Universities UK , which represents higher education bosses , told FactCheck : “ During the current crisis universities will need to be flexible in admissions decision-making by recognising applicants ’ contexts this year more than ever .
This includes how universities can provide support for disadvantaged students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors into account which can be vital in reflecting an individual student ’ s circumstances and potential when reviewing applications.
” When it comes to re-sits , the government says “ schools and colleges will be able to use the government ’ s specialist staffing and events agencies to book invigilators and sites from September as well as being able to claim back costs later in the autumn term.
” But why isn ’ t the government in England using teacher-estimated grades as the final word , as the Scottish government has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Nick Gibb was asked about this on the BBC ’ s Today Programme this morning .
The minister replied : “ The teacher assessment is the basis of the whole process [ … ] but we need to make sure that there is consistency , a level-playing field between schools and indeed , between previous years and subsequent years .
And the way you do that is to have this standardisation process that ’ s based on a lot of data ” .
“ If we hadn ’ t done that standardisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflation , according to the regulator , of 12 per cent ” , he said .
Mr Gibb added it was a “ robust ” and “ fair ” system .
The Northern Irish regulator also made a late-night announcement on the topic yesterday .
As in England , students will now be able to use mock exam results as the basis for an appeal against the grades produced by the moderation process .
Again , pupils will have to go through their school in order to challenge the result .
The Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing its approach , despite the rapid reversals we ’ ve seen in the rest of the UK .
Qualifications Wales will be using data on each school ’ s “ historic performance , adjusted for the ability of this year ’ s cohort ” .
That means looking back at how a school performed in the past to judge whether teacher-estimated grades for individual pupils this year should be changed – which is what proved so controversial in Scotland .
Though the Welsh regulator said the systems are not identical .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ we are confident that the approach to standardisation that we have adopted is overall the fairest option in the circumstances ” .
The Welsh watchdog confirmed that only schools or colleges can appeal grades , not individual pupils .
The grounds for appeal are : if WJEC ( the Welsh exam board ) “ used the wrong data when calculating a grade ” , “ the calculated grades generated by the statistical standardisation model were incorrectly allocated or communicated ” or “ there was some other procedural failing on the part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mention of mock exams being used as the basis of an appeal in Wales .
There will be a last-resort option for students to re-sit their exams , but there will not be a full autumn exam series in Wales like the one planned in England .

Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are waiting anxiously for their A-level results, which are due out on Thursday.
The Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, announced a “triple lock” for pupils in England late last night, just hours after the Scottish government was forced into a u-turn over its own exams process.
So what’s going on? And what can students expect tomorrow morning?
The background
Exam regulators in all four nations of the UK asked schools to estimate what students would have got if teaching and exams had happened this year as usual. The watchdogs then moderated the estimates – meaning some grades will be reduced, while others bumped up.
As FactCheck reported last week, authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland intend to use a school’s past performance as part of the calculation when deciding whether teachers have been too harsh or too generous.
That was the sticking point in Scotland when all-important Higher results were published last week. It meant that some otherwise high-achieving students were marked down – not because of their own ability or attainment, but because their school had performed badly in the past.
The Scottish government abandoned that system yesterday afternoon and said any grade that was lowered by the moderation process would be replaced with the teacher-estimated result.
The English ‘triple lock’
Hours later, Gavin Williamson announced that students in England “could accept their calculated grade, appeal to receive a valid mock result, or sit autumn exams”. They’ll get to keep whichever of those grades is highest.
Allowing students to appeal using their mock exams as evidence is the new element. The Department for Education described the move as “an additional safety net to the system of calculated grades, which is the fairest possible approach in the absence of exams”.
It won’t be students who launch the appeals – they’ll have to go through their school. And if schools want to use mock exam results to challenge a grade, they’ll have to prove to the regulator, Ofqual, that the tests were sat in exam conditions, says junior education minister Nick Gibb.
The prospect of pupils sitting exams in the autumn if they want better grades is also proving controversial, as students fear it could delay or clash with their plans to start university. A-level results day is when most university places are allocated. The government has asked universities to be flexible in their offers.
A spokesperson for Universities UK, which represents higher education bosses, told FactCheck: “During the current crisis universities will need to be flexible in admissions decision-making by recognising applicants’ contexts this year more than ever. This includes how universities can provide support for disadvantaged students entering university, and in taking contextual factors into account which can be vital in reflecting an individual student’s circumstances and potential when reviewing applications.”
When it comes to re-sits, the government says “schools and colleges will be able to use the government’s specialist staffing and events agencies to book invigilators and sites from September as well as being able to claim back costs later in the autumn term.”
But why isn’t the government in England using teacher-estimated grades as the final word, as the Scottish government has now decided to do?
The junior education minister Nick Gibb was asked about this on the BBC’s Today Programme this morning.
The minister replied: “The teacher assessment is the basis of the whole process […] but we need to make sure that there is consistency, a level-playing field between schools and indeed, between previous years and subsequent years. And the way you do that is to have this standardisation process that’s based on a lot of data”.
“If we hadn’t done that standardisation process, we would have had grade inflation, according to the regulator, of 12 per cent”, he said. Mr Gibb added it was a “robust” and “fair” system.
Northern Ireland follows suit
The Northern Irish regulator also made a late-night announcement on the topic yesterday. As in England, students will now be able to use mock exam results as the basis for an appeal against the grades produced by the moderation process. Again, pupils will have to go through their school in order to challenge the result.
Update 13 August: Last minute u-turns in Wales
A spokesperson for Qualifications Wales told FactCheck yesterday: “we are confident that the approach to standardisation that we have adopted is overall the fairest option in the circumstances”.
Despite assurances then that the A-level grading and appeals system would not change, the Welsh government has announced two significant policy shifts this morning, on results day.
Students in Wales will now be protected from receiving a grade that is lower than their AS level grade. In other words, they cannot be “moderated down” below last year’s results by the exams watchdog.
And the regulator said the Welsh government has “asked us to consider whether the grounds for appeal can be broadened for all A level, AS level and GCSE qualifications”. They intend to publish more details on appeals next week.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--Kamala Harris chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate

Her career has already broken many barriers .
Now the California senator Kamala Harris has broken one more , after @ @ @ @ @ his running mate in November ’ s presidential race .
Once rivals in the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ due to make their first joint appearance tonight in Mr Biden ’ s home state @ @ @

Her career has already broken many barriers.
Now the California senator Kamala Harris has broken one more, after Joe Biden picked her as his running mate in November’s presidential race.
Once rivals in the Democratic primaries, the pair are due to make their first joint appearance tonight in Mr Biden’s home state of Delaware.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--Fears coronavirus could force some beauty therapists in England out of business

Spas and beauty therapists had been preparing to begin offering facials and other “ close contact ” services at the @ @ @ @ @ But rising coronavirus cases prompted the prime minister to shelve those plans with just a @ @ @ @ @ rules in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland allow treatments on the face to be @ @ @ @ @ PPE , but England ’ s beauticians are banned from doing so .
And some @ @ @ @ @ out of business for good .

Things are turning ugly in England’s beauty industry.
Spas and beauty therapists had been preparing to begin offering facials and other “close contact” services at the start of this month.
But rising coronavirus cases prompted the prime minister to shelve those plans with just a few hours notice.
Different rules in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland allow treatments on the face to be delivered by trained professionals wearing PPE, but England’s beauticians are banned from doing so.
And some say it could put them out of business for good.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--Dozens of migrant workers among Beirut explosion victims

They were from Syria , Bangladesh , the Philippines and Ethiopia – dozens of those who died in the Beirut @ @ @ @ @ employed at the port or in neighbourhoods nearby .
They were among more than 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ stranded far from home , often in poor housing and struggling to make ends meet @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis and the economic collapse has been compounded by the devastation caused by the @ @

They were from Syria, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Ethiopia – dozens of those who died in the Beirut explosion were migrant workers, employed at the port or in neighbourhoods nearby.
They were among more than 250,000 foreign labourers in Lebanon, stranded far from home, often in poor housing and struggling to make ends meet.
The impact of the coronavirus crisis and the economic collapse has been compounded by the devastation caused by the blast.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--‘Bigger challenge is we are not looking at over-representation and trying to understand it’ – Chair

‘Bigger challenge is we are not looking at over-representation and trying to understand it’ – Chair of Youth Justice Board

We spoke to Keith Fraser , who is chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales and also @ @ @ @ @ s race commission .
We started by asking what he thought was the root cause @ @ @ @ @ the criminal justice system .

We spoke to Keith Fraser, who is chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales and also sits on the government’s race commission.
We started by asking what he thought was the root cause of the racial disparities in the criminal justice system.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--Inside the youth justice system: Why people from BAME backgrounds are over-represented

Over the last month – and with the help of the blogger known as the Secret Barrister – Channel 4 @ @ @ @ @ the criminal justice system in this country .
In the first of two films , @ @ @ @ @ had exclusive access to the Youth Justice Board ’ s new report , which is @ @ @ @ @ found that , at every stage of the youth justice system in England and Wales @ @ @ @ @ Black and minority ethnic background are consistently over-represented , causing increasing racial disparities .
In @ @ @ @ @ asked children for their insights into the criminal justice system and where it is going @ @

Over the last month – and with the help of the blogger known as the Secret Barrister – Channel 4 News has been focusing on the criminal justice system in this country.
In the first of two films, our reporter Symeon Brown has had exclusive access to the Youth Justice Board’s new report, which is being published tomorrow.
It found that, at every stage of the youth justice system in England and Wales, young people from a Black and minority ethnic background are consistently over-represented, causing increasing racial disparities.
In this report, we have asked children for their insights into the criminal justice system and where it is going wrong.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--Police fire live bullets at crowds protesting Belarus election results

More than 6,000 people have been arrested in Belarus during three nights of protests against alleged vote rigging in Sunday @ @ @ @ @ as more evidence emerged of police brutality towards the protestors .
Police fired live bullets @ @ @ @ @ of Brest , while news crews have also come under attack , with dozens of @ @ @ @ @ opposition leader , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , has fled to neighbouring Lithuania .

More than 6,000 people have been arrested in Belarus during three nights of protests against alleged vote rigging in Sunday’s presidential elections – as more evidence emerged of police brutality towards the protestors.
Police fired live bullets at demonstrators in the city of Brest, while news crews have also come under attack, with dozens of journalists detained.
The main opposition leader, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has fled to neighbouring Lithuania.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--Education secretary apologises to children over coronavirus school disruption

The education secretary in England has apologised to “ every single child right across the country ” for the disruption @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Gavin Williamson also defended last minute changes which could see students getting @ @ @ @ @ which had to be cancelled , saying he was trying to make the system “ @ @ @ @ @ for everyone .
Headteachers have criticised the change , describing it as “ panicked and @ @ @

The education secretary in England has apologised to “every single child right across the country” for the disruption caused to their education during the pandemic.
Gavin Williamson also defended last minute changes which could see students getting higher replacement grades for exams which had to be cancelled, saying he was trying to make the system “as fair as possible” for everyone.
Headteachers have criticised the change, describing it as “panicked and chaotic”.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--Covid death toll reduced after recount

Covid death toll reduced after recount

The Department of Health says it has concluded its urgent review into how deaths from Covid-19 are calculated in England @ @ @ @ @ people who died months after contracting the virus were being included in the figures – @ @ @ @ @ in a misleading picture of the extent of the epidemic in the UK .
The @ @ @ @ @ has risen by 77 in 24 hours .
There were 1,009 new coronavirus cases , @ @ @ @ @ week that daily infections have risen by more than a thousand .

The Department of Health says it has concluded its urgent review into how deaths from Covid-19 are calculated in England.
It follows concerns that people who died months after contracting the virus were being included in the figures – and whether that could result in a misleading picture of the extent of the epidemic in the UK.
The official number of UK deaths has risen by 77 in 24 hours.
There were 1,009 new coronavirus cases, the third time in a week that daily infections have risen by more than a thousand.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--‘The knock of the pandemic came on top of an economy that was already ailing’ – Miatta Fahnbulleh

We spoke to Rupert Harrison , who was formerly chief of staff to George Osborne when he was Chancellor , @ @ @ @ @ at BlackRock , and Miatta Fahnbulleh , chief executive at the New Economics Foundation , @ @ @ @ @

We spoke to Rupert Harrison, who was formerly chief of staff to George Osborne when he was Chancellor, and is now portfolio manager at BlackRock, and Miatta Fahnbulleh, chief executive at the New Economics Foundation, a left-wing think tank.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--UK plunges into worst recession on record – after impact of Coronavirus

The UK has been plunged into the deepest recession on record .
It ’ s the worst performance of any @ @ @ @ @ , as GDP shrank by more than 20 per cent in the three months till @ @ @ @ @ Rishi Sunak , said “ hard times are here ” – warning that many more @ @ @ @ @ in the months ahead .
The months of lockdown have sent output plunging across the @ @ @ @ @ 17 years of economic growth .

The UK has been plunged into the deepest recession on record.
It’s the worst performance of any G7 nation during the pandemic, as GDP shrank by more than 20 per cent in the three months till June.
The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said “hard times are here” – warning that many more people would lose their jobs in the months ahead.
The months of lockdown have sent output plunging across the board, effectively wiping out 17 years of economic growth.


channel4uk--2020-08-12--Three dead as train derails in Scotland

Three dead as train derails in Scotland

Three people , including the driver , have died after a passenger train derailed in Aberdeenshire during heavy rain and @ @ @ @ @ taken to hospital after the crash , which happened early this morning near Stonehaven .
@ @ @ @ @ , including the air ambulance , were called to the scene when the locomotive and @ @ @ @ @ rails and slid down an embankment .

Three people, including the driver, have died after a passenger train derailed in Aberdeenshire during heavy rain and flooding.
Six others were taken to hospital after the crash, which happened early this morning near Stonehaven.
Dozens of emergency service crew, including the air ambulance, were called to the scene when the locomotive and three carriages came off the rails and slid down an embankment.


channel4uk--2020-08-13--Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick responds to institutional racism claims

We spoke to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police , Dame Cressida Dick , and began by asking her – @ @ @ @ @ in society , presumably there ’ s racism within the police ?

We spoke to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Dame Cressida Dick, and began by asking her – given there’s racism in society, presumably there’s racism within the police?


channel4uk--2020-08-13--Coronavirus cases in India top two million as daily infections surge

India ’ s coronavirus crisis has reached a critical point – with soaring deaths and more than two million infections @ @ @ @ @ recording the highest number of daily cases in the world .
Since lockdown was imposed @ @ @ @ @ risen to more than 23 per cent – while millions of migrant workers have gone @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s left the Indian economy facing a very uncertain future .

India’s coronavirus crisis has reached a critical point – with soaring deaths and more than two million infections, the country is now recording the highest number of daily cases in the world.
Since lockdown was imposed in March, unemployment has risen to more than 23 per cent – while millions of migrant workers have gone back to their villages. It’s left the Indian economy facing a very uncertain future.


channel4uk--2020-08-13--Head teacher says A-level results process is ‘absolutely bewildering’ and puts schools in difficult

Head teacher says A-level results process is ‘absolutely bewildering’ and puts schools in difficult situation

We spoke to Dame Alice Hudson , the executive head teacher of four secondary schools in west London .

We spoke to Dame Alice Hudson, the executive head teacher of four secondary schools in west London.


channel4uk--2020-08-13--Some students fear A-level disruption could cost them university places

Thousands of students in England have had their A-level results downgraded – sparking calls for a review and free appeals @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been treated unfairly .
Overall results across England , Northern Ireland and Wales @ @ @ @ @ and A star grades .
But many students fear the disruption caused by the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ university places they ’ d hoped for .
Minnie Stephenson has been speaking to some @ @ @ @ @ their results .

Thousands of students in England have had their A-level results downgraded – sparking calls for a review and free appeals for those who feel they’ve been treated unfairly.
Overall results across England, Northern Ireland and Wales show record numbers of A and A star grades.
But many students fear the disruption caused by the pandemic could rob them of the university places they’d hoped for.
Minnie Stephenson has been speaking to some of the pupils who got their results.


channel4uk--2020-08-13--Coronavirus: England’s contact-tracing app begins second trial

After initially announcing an app to help stop the spread of coronavirus would be available in April , NHS Test @ @ @ @ @ the second test of its new contact-tracing app in England , with trials on the @ @ @ @ @ London borough of Newham .
This , as a study looking at the spread of @ @ @ @ @ million people in the UK may have been infected , just six per cent of @ @ @ @ @

After initially announcing an app to help stop the spread of coronavirus would be available in April, NHS Test and Trace has finally begun the second test of its new contact-tracing app in England, with trials on the Isle of Wight and the London borough of Newham.
This, as a study looking at the spread of the disease suggests around 3.4 million people in the UK may have been infected, just six per cent of England’s population.


channel4uk--2020-08-13--Investigation underway into fatal train derailment in Aberdeenshire

A major investigation is underway into yesterday ’ s fatal train derailment in Aberdeenshire – and the Transport Secretary Grant @ @ @ @ @ report about the whole UK rail network , with an interim report by the start @ @ @ @ @ died in the crash , including the train conductor Donald Dinnie and the driver Brett @ @ @ @ @ paid tribute , saying it left a huge void in their lives .
The passenger @ @ @ @ @ as 62-year-old Christopher Stuchbury .

A major investigation is underway into yesterday’s fatal train derailment in Aberdeenshire – and the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has ordered a full report about the whole UK rail network, with an interim report by the start of September.
Three people died in the crash, including the train conductor Donald Dinnie and the driver Brett McCullough.
His family today paid tribute, saying it left a huge void in their lives. The passenger who died has been named as 62-year-old Christopher Stuchbury.


channel4uk--2020-08-13--How BAME youth are treated in the criminal justice system

Yesterday , we revealed how young people from a Black and minority ethnic background are unfairly treated throughout the criminal @ @ @ @ @ to be stopped and searched , to be arrested , to end up in custody @ @ @ @ @ been out with police officers at the other end of that system – who patrol @ @ @ @ @ streets in the country – and who face growing hostility from local communities .
The @ @ @ @ @ up this year to help local forces combat the worrying rise in knife crime and @ @ @ @ @ .
In his second report – Symeon Brown has been out with its officers tasked @ @ @ @ @ London .

Yesterday, we revealed how young people from a Black and minority ethnic background are unfairly treated throughout the criminal justice system – more likely to be stopped and searched, to be arrested, to end up in custody.
Tonight, we have been out with police officers at the other end of that system – who patrol some of the most dangerous streets in the country – and who face growing hostility from local communities.
The Violence Suppression Unit was set up this year to help local forces combat the worrying rise in knife crime and gang violence across the capital.
In his second report – Symeon Brown has been out with its officers tasked with disrupting crime in south London.


channel4uk--2020-08-13--Schools minister says government wanted to ‘maintain the value’ of A-levels

We spoke to the schools minister Nick Gibb – and asked him why so many students in England had seen @ @ @ @ @

We spoke to the schools minister Nick Gibb – and asked him why so many students in England had seen their A-level grades lowered.


channel4uk--2020-08-13--Almost 40% of predicted A-level results downgraded

Their education has already been thrown into chaos by the pandemic – their exams have been cancelled – now thousands @ @ @ @ @ given lower grades than their teachers predicted , leaving many fearing they ’ ll miss @ @ @ @ @ .
Boris Johnson insisted the results were “ robust ” and “ dependable ” – @ @ @ @ @ felt they could have done better would be able to re-sit .
But the government @ @ @ @ @ order a review .

Their education has already been thrown into chaos by the pandemic – their exams have been cancelled – now thousands of A-level students have been given lower grades than their teachers predicted, leaving many fearing they’ll miss out on their university place.
Boris Johnson insisted the results were “robust” and “dependable” – and said any pupils who felt they could have done better would be able to re-sit. But the government is under growing pressure to order a review.


channel4uk--2020-08-14--HK activist: ‘If I was satisfied with being a businessman I would not have taken this life’

When hundreds of police were sent to arrest the media tycoon Jimmy Lai there was an international outcry .
The @ @ @ @ @ pro-democracy campaigner has now been released on bail .
He has warned young protesters they @ @ @ @ @ more cautious ” following China ’ s introduction of a new national security law , @ @ @ @ @ used for a significant crackdown on democracy campaigners and media owners .
71-year-old Jimmy Lai @ @ @ @ @ , one of Hong Kong ’ s most-read newspapers , was arrested under the new @ @ @ @ @ allegations including collusion with foreign forces , all of which he dismissed as bogus .
@ @ @ @ @ a violation of Hong Kong ’ s wide-ranging freedoms .
I spoke to Mr Lai @ @ @ @ @ him – whether he had deliberately provoked a reaction from China .

When hundreds of police were sent to arrest the media tycoon Jimmy Lai there was an international outcry.
The Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner has now been released on bail.
He has warned young protesters they will need to be “more cautious” following China’s introduction of a new national security law, which many fear will be used for a significant crackdown on democracy campaigners and media owners.
71-year-old Jimmy Lai, who owns Apple Daily, one of Hong Kong’s most-read newspapers, was arrested under the new law on Monday over several allegations including collusion with foreign forces, all of which he dismissed as bogus.
He said the arrest was a violation of Hong Kong’s wide-ranging freedoms.
I spoke to Mr Lai earlier, and I asked him – whether he had deliberately provoked a reaction from China.


channel4uk--2020-08-14--‘You can’t lose an election as badly as we did in December and carry on as if everything is fine’ –

‘You can’t lose an election as badly as we did in December and carry on as if everything is fine’ – Sir Keir Starmer

If Sir Keir Starmer is ever going to be Prime Minister he needs to take Labour from the worst election @ @ @ @ @ win back those former Labour voters in what they called ‘ Red Wall ’ – @ @ @ @ @ .
Our political correspondent Liz Bates travelled with the Labour leader to Darlington to see @ @ @ @ @ fightback .

If Sir Keir Starmer is ever going to be Prime Minister he needs to take Labour from the worst election defeat in a century to win back those former Labour voters in what they called ‘Red Wall’ – who switched to Boris Johnson.
Our political correspondent Liz Bates travelled with the Labour leader to Darlington to see how he is planning the fightback.


channel4uk--2020-08-14--President of Universities UK says appeals process needs to make sure ‘able students get the grades t

President of Universities UK says appeals process needs to make sure ‘able students get the grades they deserve‘

Prof Julia Buckingham is Vice Chancellor of Brunel University in London and President of Universities UK .

Prof Julia Buckingham is Vice Chancellor of Brunel University in London and President of Universities UK.


channel4uk--2020-08-14--Government faces pressure from Labour and Tory MPs over England’s A-level results

Boris Johnson is under pressure from some of his own MPs tonight after thousands of A-level students complained that their @ @ @ @ @ – with stark differences emerging between state and private schools .
While the proportion of @ @ @ @ @ to independent schools rose by 4.7 percent , the increase in state schools was half @ @ @ @ @ on ministers to act immediately to sort out what it says is a “ fiasco @ @ @ @ @ Jane Dodge reports .

Boris Johnson is under pressure from some of his own MPs tonight after thousands of A-level students complained that their exam results were unfairly downgraded – with stark differences emerging between state and private schools.
While the proportion of A* and A grades awarded to independent schools rose by 4.7 percent, the increase in state schools was half that.
Labour has called on ministers to act immediately to sort out what it says is a “fiasco”. From Derby, Jane Dodge reports.


channel4uk--2020-08-14--UK Vaccine Taskforce chair says Russian vaccine has been dosed into 38 people which doesn’t show if

UK Vaccine Taskforce chair says Russian vaccine has been dosed into 38 people which doesn’t show if it is ‘safe or effective’

Devi Sridhar is professor of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh and Kate Bingham is the chair of @ @ @ @ @ Taskforce programme , who have announced today that they have secured another 90 million doses @ @ @ @ @ The UK has now acquired the rights to six different experimental vaccines .

Devi Sridhar is professor of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh and Kate Bingham is the chair of the government’s Vaccine Taskforce programme, who have announced today that they have secured another 90 million doses of two prospective vaccines. The UK has now acquired the rights to six different experimental vaccines.


channel4uk--2020-08-14--Further easing of England’s lockdown restrictions from Saturday

The government says it ’ s imposing the new quarantine rules to keep infection rates low .
But the Scientific @ @ @ @ @ SAGE ) has warned that they no longer have confidence the R rate in England @ @ @ @ @ rate at which the infections decrease .
And in today ’ s other developments , @ @ @ @ @ were recorded in the past 24 hours – bringing the total number to 41,358 and @ @ @ @ @ tested positive .
And the restaurant chain Yo !
Sushi is cutting 250 jobs in @ @ @ @ @ long-term future .
From tomorrow , some restrictions in England will be eased .
Our @ @ @ @ @ a soft play centre in Essex where they are preparing to open .

The government says it’s imposing the new quarantine rules to keep infection rates low. But the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has warned that they no longer have confidence the R rate in England is below one – the rate at which the infections decrease.
And in today’s other developments, 11 deaths of positive cases were recorded in the past 24 hours – bringing the total number to 41,358 and just over 1,400 people have tested positive.
And the restaurant chain Yo! Sushi is cutting 250 jobs in a bid to protect its long-term future.
From tomorrow, some restrictions in England will be eased.
Our reporter Anja Popp is at a soft play centre in Essex where they are preparing to open.


channel4uk--2020-08-14--Thousands of holidaymakers rush back to UK before France quarantine rule change

In less than eight hours , France will join Spain on the quarantine list and holidaymakers returning from the second @ @ @ @ @ be required to go into isolation for two weeks .
The airline industry called it @ @ @ @ @ angry French politicians hinted at tit-for-tat measures .
The government insisted spiking infection rates in @ @ @ @ @ the disruption caused .

In less than eight hours, France will join Spain on the quarantine list and holidaymakers returning from the second most popular European destination will be required to go into isolation for two weeks.
The airline industry called it another devastating blow, whilst angry French politicians hinted at tit-for-tat measures.
The government insisted spiking infection rates in France made it necessary despite the disruption caused.
Minnie Stephenson reports.


channel4uk--2020-08-14--FactCheck: did England exam system favour private schools?

Private schools in England saw a greater increase in the proportion of students getting top A-level grades than other types of school compared to last year .
The percentage of pupils getting As and A*s in fee-paying institutions is up 4.7 points since 2019 .
By contrast , comprehensives have seen a 2-point rise , and grammar schools are up 1.2 points .
Sixth form and FE colleges saw the smallest increase – just 0.3 points .
So is this year ’ s exam system biased in favour of independent schools ?
Let ’ s take a look .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulators in every nation of the UK asked teachers to estimate what each pupil would have got under normal circumstances .
They then “ moderated ” the results to make sure schools weren ’ t being too harsh or too generous .
That moderation proved controversial in Scotland after some students were marked down simply because their school had done badly in the past .
On Tuesday , the Scottish government announced that anyone who had had their result downgraded would be awarded their ( higher ) teacher-estimated grade instead .
The English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sparked the Scottish row – teacher-estimated grades were moderated using a system that includes looking back at a school ’ s past performance .
Though they ’ re far from identical .
And in the English case , it looks like the effect on deprived students isn ’ t nearly as pronounced as it was north of the border .
Were private schools more likely to be spared moderation ?
Nevertheless , there has been some interest in data from the English regulator , Ofqual , that shows private schools saw a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting As and A*s than other types of school this year .
We asked Ofqual whether this could be a result of its moderation system , also known as a “ standardisation model ” .
A spokesperson told FactCheck : “ Our standardisation model , for which we have published full details , does not distinguish between different types of centres [ schools ] , and therefore contains no bias , either in favour or against , a particular centre type .
“ One of the factors for the increases in higher grades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have smaller cohorts because teachers ’ predictions are given more weight in these circumstances .
Other factors will also have an effect , like potential changes in prior attainment profiles of students at Key Stage 2 ” .
We think that point about “ smaller cohorts ” is significant .
Here ’ s why… On average , teachers across all types of school were more generous to students than the grades produced by the regulator ’ s statistical model .
So any student who ’ s exempted from moderation – or has its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better .
The Ofqual report says : “ centres with small cohorts in a given subject either receive their CAGs or have greater weight placed on their CAGs than the statistical evidence ” .
CAGs are “ centre estimated grades ” , i.e .
teacher predictions .
The thinking is that with very small numbers of current and/or past students , it ’ s hard to work out statistically-reliable patterns over time .
In practice , this means that if you ’ re one of a very small number of students taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re likely to be awarded the more generous grade your teacher estimated for you ( or something close to it ) .
It seems private schools are more likely to have these small cohorts .
Analysts from the education research company , FFL Datalab , estimate that independent schools enter 9.4 students for each A-level subject on average .
For state-funded schools run by the local authority , the average is 11 pupils .
For sixth form and further education colleges , it ’ s 33 .
So it follows that private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their teacher-estimated grades , or have more weight placed on them , than other types of students .
( To be clear , small cohorts can exist at any type of school , but they seem to be more prevalent at fee-paying ones ) .
We should say that FFL Datalab ’ s school categories don ’ t quite match up with Ofqual ’ s .
Nevertheless , it ’ s worth noting that sixth form and FE colleges saw by far the smallest increase in top grades this year – just 0.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s estimates , they had the largest class sizes .
This supports the theory that small-cohort students benefited from Ofqual ’ s system by having more weight placed on teacher estimates – while pupils at bigger providers lost out because they were put through full statistical standardisation .
We asked Ofqual whether it had considered the fact that , by all-but exempting small-cohort centres from the full moderation process and instead matching or getting closer to teacher estimates , it might confer an advantage on independent schools .
“ The arrangements we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairest possible to enable students to move on to further study or employment as planned .
“ Centre assessment grades are the most reliable source of evidence for small cohorts and is the fairest approach available .
While use of the model is the fairest possible way to calculate grades for larger cohorts , it would not have been feasible to apply it to very low entries which would include special schools , pupil referral units and tutorial centres and small subject cohorts within larger centres.
” Does this explain the difference between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s true that the structure of the system might theoretically advantage private school students over others , we still don ’ t know if that fully explains the fact that independent schools saw a bigger increase in top grades than other schools .
It could be that this crop of private school sixth-formers just happened to be especially good – after all , we see variation between years even in normal circumstances .
As it stands , we don ’ t think there ’ s data in the public domain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this disparity is down to Ofqual ’ s moderation process .
We ’ ll update this article if we find any .
Could Ofqual have seen this coming ?
In the spring – before schools had even submitted their estimates – Ofqual acknowledged that teachers generally tend to be optimistic when predicting their own students ’ results .
So it would have been reasonable to expect that giving more weight to teacher estimates for some students and not others would probably confer an advantage .
They would have also known that private school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in state schools .
( And that further education and sixth form colleges have the very largest groups ) .
So these two key bits of information were available to them at the time they decided to give students in small cohorts the benefit of teacher-estimated grades .
Given the extensive analysis they carried out in advance of creating this model ( on gender , ethnicity , economic status , etc . )
, we think it would have been possible for Ofqual to anticipate the potential biases this decision might create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the alternative ?
All that said , it remains true that it ’ s very difficult to draw reliable patterns from small class sizes .
Had Ofqual put small-cohort students through the full statistical standardisation model , they would have probably ended up giving them a disadvantage compared to other pupils .
It would only take one or two outliers from a previous school year to skew the 2020 results for individuals .
And it ’ s not just independent school students who would have suffered .
Those at schools with little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with small class sizes , or students taking rarefied subjects would have also lost out .
Private schools in England saw a bigger increase in the proportion of students getting As and A*s than others compared to last year .
The English exams regulator Ofqual says its moderation system “ contains no bias , either in favour or against ” any particular type of school .
However , Ofqual decided that in schools with small numbers of students taking each subject , pupils would have more weight placed on their teacher-estimated grades – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistical standardisation ” process .
Because we know that teachers were generous with their predictions overall , this meant that these “ small cohort ” students were likely to do better than others .
And we also know that fee-paying schools tend to have smaller cohorts than other types of school .
This may fully or partly explain why they saw a bigger rise in top grades this year .
And perhaps why further education and sixth form colleges , who have by far the largest average cohorts , saw the very smallest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data we have is not definitive .
Either way , we think Ofqual might have foreseen the possibility that independent schools would reap the greatest rewards from this decision .
Nevertheless , there are sound statistical reasons for exempting tiny cohorts from the full moderation process .
In fact , it ’ s not clear whether Ofqual could have taken a different approach without actually penalising students in small classes .
That would have also affected pupils at special schools , new schools and those taking unusual subjects .

Private schools in England saw a greater increase in the proportion of students getting top A-level grades than other types of school compared to last year.
The percentage of pupils getting As and A*s in fee-paying institutions is up 4.7 points since 2019.
By contrast, comprehensives have seen a 2-point rise, and grammar schools are up 1.2 points. Sixth form and FE colleges saw the smallest increase – just 0.3 points.
So is this year’s exam system biased in favour of independent schools? Let’s take a look.
Moderation, moderation, moderation
With exams unable to happen as usual, regulators in every nation of the UK asked teachers to estimate what each pupil would have got under normal circumstances. They then “moderated” the results to make sure schools weren’t being too harsh or too generous.
That moderation proved controversial in Scotland after some students were marked down simply because their school had done badly in the past. On Tuesday, the Scottish government announced that anyone who had had their result downgraded would be awarded their (higher) teacher-estimated grade instead.
The English system is broadly similar to the one that sparked the Scottish row – teacher-estimated grades were moderated using a system that includes looking back at a school’s past performance.
Though they’re far from identical. And in the English case, it looks like the effect on deprived students isn’t nearly as pronounced as it was north of the border.
Were private schools more likely to be spared moderation?
Nevertheless, there has been some interest in data from the English regulator, Ofqual, that shows private schools saw a greater increase in the proportion of students getting As and A*s than other types of school this year.
We asked Ofqual whether this could be a result of its moderation system, also known as a “standardisation model”.
A spokesperson told FactCheck: “Our standardisation model, for which we have published full details, does not distinguish between different types of centres [schools], and therefore contains no bias, either in favour or against, a particular centre type.
“One of the factors for the increases in higher grades for some centres will be if they have smaller cohorts because teachers’ predictions are given more weight in these circumstances. Other factors will also have an effect, like potential changes in prior attainment profiles of students at Key Stage 2”.
We think that point about “smaller cohorts” is significant. Here’s why…
On average, teachers across all types of school were more generous to students than the grades produced by the regulator’s statistical model. So any student who’s exempted from moderation – or has its effects diluted – is likely to do better.
The Ofqual report says: “centres with small cohorts in a given subject either receive their CAGs or have greater weight placed on their CAGs than the statistical evidence”. CAGs are “centre estimated grades”, i.e. teacher predictions.
The thinking is that with very small numbers of current and/or past students, it’s hard to work out statistically-reliable patterns over time.
In practice, this means that if you’re one of a very small number of students taking a particular subject at your school, you’re likely to be awarded the more generous grade your teacher estimated for you (or something close to it).
It seems private schools are more likely to have these small cohorts.
Analysts from the education research company, FFL Datalab, estimate that independent schools enter 9.4 students for each A-level subject on average. For state-funded schools run by the local authority, the average is 11 pupils. For sixth form and further education colleges, it’s 33.
So it follows that private school students were more likely to get their teacher-estimated grades, or have more weight placed on them, than other types of students. (To be clear, small cohorts can exist at any type of school, but they seem to be more prevalent at fee-paying ones).
We should say that FFL Datalab’s school categories don’t quite match up with Ofqual’s.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that sixth form and FE colleges saw by far the smallest increase in top grades this year – just 0.3 percentage points. And by FFL Datalab’s estimates, they had the largest class sizes.
This supports the theory that small-cohort students benefited from Ofqual’s system by having more weight placed on teacher estimates – while pupils at bigger providers lost out because they were put through full statistical standardisation.
We asked Ofqual whether it had considered the fact that, by all-but exempting small-cohort centres from the full moderation process and instead matching or getting closer to teacher estimates, it might confer an advantage on independent schools.
A spokesperson told FactCheck:
“The arrangements we put in place this summer are the fairest possible to enable students to move on to further study or employment as planned.
“Centre assessment grades are the most reliable source of evidence for small cohorts and is the fairest approach available. While use of the model is the fairest possible way to calculate grades for larger cohorts, it would not have been feasible to apply it to very low entries which would include special schools, pupil referral units and tutorial centres and small subject cohorts within larger centres.”
Does this explain the difference between 2019 and 2020?
But even if it’s true that the structure of the system might theoretically advantage private school students over others, we still don’t know if that fully explains the fact that independent schools saw a bigger increase in top grades than other schools.
It could be that this crop of private school sixth-formers just happened to be especially good – after all, we see variation between years even in normal circumstances.
As it stands, we don’t think there’s data in the public domain that can tell us definitively how much of this disparity is down to Ofqual’s moderation process. We’ll update this article if we find any.
Could Ofqual have seen this coming?
In the spring – before schools had even submitted their estimates – Ofqual acknowledged that teachers generally tend to be optimistic when predicting their own students’ results. So it would have been reasonable to expect that giving more weight to teacher estimates for some students and not others would probably confer an advantage.
They would have also known that private school class sizes are smaller on average than those in state schools. (And that further education and sixth form colleges have the very largest groups).
So these two key bits of information were available to them at the time they decided to give students in small cohorts the benefit of teacher-estimated grades.
Given the extensive analysis they carried out in advance of creating this model (on gender, ethnicity, economic status, etc.), we think it would have been possible for Ofqual to anticipate the potential biases this decision might create in favour of private schools.
What was the alternative?
All that said, it remains true that it’s very difficult to draw reliable patterns from small class sizes.
Had Ofqual put small-cohort students through the full statistical standardisation model, they would have probably ended up giving them a disadvantage compared to other pupils. It would only take one or two outliers from a previous school year to skew the 2020 results for individuals.
And it’s not just independent school students who would have suffered. Those at schools with little or no historical data, special schools with small class sizes, or students taking rarefied subjects would have also lost out.
FactCheck verdict
Private schools in England saw a bigger increase in the proportion of students getting As and A*s than others compared to last year.
The English exams regulator Ofqual says its moderation system “contains no bias, either in favour or against” any particular type of school.
However, Ofqual decided that in schools with small numbers of students taking each subject, pupils would have more weight placed on their teacher-estimated grades – rather than going through the full “statistical standardisation” process.
Because we know that teachers were generous with their predictions overall, this meant that these “small cohort” students were likely to do better than others.
And we also know that fee-paying schools tend to have smaller cohorts than other types of school. This may fully or partly explain why they saw a bigger rise in top grades this year. And perhaps why further education and sixth form colleges, who have by far the largest average cohorts, saw the very smallest increase in high scores.
But the data we have is not definitive.
Either way, we think Ofqual might have foreseen the possibility that independent schools would reap the greatest rewards from this decision.
Nevertheless, there are sound statistical reasons for exempting tiny cohorts from the full moderation process. In fact, it’s not clear whether Ofqual could have taken a different approach without actually penalising students in small classes. That would have also affected pupils at special schools, new schools and those taking unusual subjects.


channel4uk--2020-08-15--101-year-old Jim Posnett tells his memories of fighting in the Burmese jungle

A small number of veterans of that gruelling war in the Pacific are still alive .
Among them those who @ @ @ @ @ – a special unit , were made up of troops from the UK , Burma @ @ @ @ @ , Nepal , West Africa and the USA .
They operated deep behind enemy lines @ @ @ @ @ jungles .
Conditions were appalling – and so was the casualty rate .
Our reporter @ @ @ @ @ to one of their fast dwindling number .
His memories remain vivid , seven and @ @ @ @ @

A small number of veterans of that gruelling war in the Pacific are still alive.
Among them those who were part of The Chindits – a special unit, were made up of troops from the UK, Burma, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, West Africa and the USA. They operated deep behind enemy lines in Myanmar’s humid jungles. Conditions were appalling – and so was the casualty rate. Our reporter Jane Dodge has been speaking to one of their fast dwindling number. His memories remain vivid, seven and a half decades on.