GCSEs and A-Levels exams cancelled

GCSEs, AS and A-level schools examinations have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising number of cases.

Stormont Education Minister Peter Weir announced today (Wednesday) that exams due to take place later this month, February, May and June will not go ahead.

No information is yet available on the alternative awarding arrangements that will replace the examinations system, but Mr Weir said an announcement will be made once the new decisions are made.

Making the announcement Education Minister Peter Weir said, “I feel we have reached a point where, while I still believe examinations are the fairest awarding methodology, with the further six weeks of remote learning having to be imposed, we cannot continue with exams in the way it was planned.

“All GCSE, AS and A-Levels exams will be cancelled. Work will continue on the alternative awarding arrangements and further details will be brought forward as soon as possible.

“These decisions have not been taking lightly but we must have regard for the prevailing public health situation.

“I wish to see schools return to face to face learning as soon as the public health situation permits,” said Mr Weir.