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<p>The Department is committed to ensuring that all those who were due to take exams
in 2021 have the best possible chance to show what they know and can do, enabling
them to progress to the next stage of their education, training, or employment, no
matter their background.</p><p>Following the Department’s response on 23 March 2021,
the Joint Council for Qualifications has published guidance on the determination of
grades in Summer 2021: <a href="https://www.jcq.org.uk/summer-2021-arrangements/"
target="_blank">https://www.jcq.org.uk/summer-2021-arrangements/</a>. As the guidance
states, the range of evidence teachers can use to determine the grades of their pupils
is flexible and they should only be assessed on what they have been taught.</p><p>Mitigating
circumstances and access to reasonable adjustments should be taken into account by
teachers when deciding which evidence to use, with flexibility to substitute or discount
evidence. Where a pupil’s performance in assessments is impaired through an event
outside of the pupil’s control and may have affected their performance in assessments
which will be used to determine a grade, this should be taken into account by teachers.
Centres must be satisfied that the issue or event has had, or is reasonably likely
to have had, a material effect on a pupil’s ability to demonstrate their normal level
of attainment in an assessment. Pupils must be reminded to raise any mitigating circumstances
which warrant special consideration as soon as possible, ideally at the time of the
assessment and prior to the submission of the teacher assessed grade.</p><p>We want
to make sure that young carers get the support they need and are able to take advantage
of opportunities beyond their caring responsibilities. The 'Schools Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Operational Guidance' recognises that some young people, including some young carers,
might feel anxious about attending school. The Government has published guidance for
both schools and local authorities on how best to support families and protect vulnerable
children during COVID-19, alongside guidance for young people with caring responsibilities,
which includes information on how and where they can get help and support.</p><p>We
remain committed to supporting young carers, and will continue to work closely with
schools, stakeholders, care organisations and the wider sector. The Government continues
to fund projects to support vulnerable children and young people whose usual support
networks have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, including young carers as a
target group. The provision includes a range of support, including online counselling
and helping children and young people stay connected with school.</p>
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