Eastwood welcomes Minister’s GCSE U-Turn, but ‘more work to do’

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed a U-turn by Minister Weir, to award GCSE students their predicted grades, but added that that SDLP will keep fighting to ensure fairness for A Level students.

Said the Foyle MP: “This is good news and will provide comfort for GCSE students across the North, many of who were deeply concerned ahead of results day on Thursday.

“After digging his heels in, I welcome the fact Minister Weir has realised his algorithm does not stand up to scrutiny and decided to trust our teacher and their professional judgement.

“However, while this is a positive move, it is not the end of the journey.

“The SDLP will continue to fight for A Level students, many of who feel their futures have been stolen from them and been awarded grades that do not accurately reflect their ability or work ethic.

“SDLP MLAs have successfully recalled the Assembly this week to hold the Minister for Education to account and we will not be giving up until we secure a just solution for our A Level students.

“The Education Minister now need to urgently change course to meet the needs of our students.

“He must scrap the flawed standardisation process and trust the judgement of our teachers. His move today has shown that it can be done and it must be done.”

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