Menu
24/09/2012
Nick Clegg Critical Of Welsh Government Over GCSE Re-grading
The decision by the Welsh education minister's to order a re-grading of some GCSE English papers in Wales has been criticised by deputy prime minister Nick Clegg
Speaking to BBC Wales, Mr Clegg said that Leighton Andrews appeared to be "shifting goalposts" for children in Wales.
A cross-border government row blew up with re-grading ordered just in Wales but the Welsh government said it was "properly" fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities.
Mr Andrews said hundreds of pupils in Wales were victims of an "injustice".
More than 2,300 of the 34,000 pupils in Wales who took English with the WJEC exam board (the former Welsh Joint Education Committee) received better results last week after their papers were looked at again.
However, papers of 84,000 students in England who took the same exam have not been regraded after the exam regulator there, Ofqual, decided not to step in.
Mr Clegg told BBC Wales parliamentary correspondent David Cornock: "I don't agree with what the Welsh government is doing, they appear to be shifting goalposts for children in Wales.
"I know what they say but I don't think it's right for politicians to be interfering in an independent exam system.
"My heart goes out to the parents and the children, particularly those who have taken English GCSEs where they feel there has been a change in the way they have been assessed, but I strongly feel that it isn't for politicians to start interfering and say we're going to change the system unilaterally."
(H)
Speaking to BBC Wales, Mr Clegg said that Leighton Andrews appeared to be "shifting goalposts" for children in Wales.
A cross-border government row blew up with re-grading ordered just in Wales but the Welsh government said it was "properly" fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities.
Mr Andrews said hundreds of pupils in Wales were victims of an "injustice".
More than 2,300 of the 34,000 pupils in Wales who took English with the WJEC exam board (the former Welsh Joint Education Committee) received better results last week after their papers were looked at again.
However, papers of 84,000 students in England who took the same exam have not been regraded after the exam regulator there, Ofqual, decided not to step in.
Mr Clegg told BBC Wales parliamentary correspondent David Cornock: "I don't agree with what the Welsh government is doing, they appear to be shifting goalposts for children in Wales.
"I know what they say but I don't think it's right for politicians to be interfering in an independent exam system.
"My heart goes out to the parents and the children, particularly those who have taken English GCSEs where they feel there has been a change in the way they have been assessed, but I strongly feel that it isn't for politicians to start interfering and say we're going to change the system unilaterally."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 February 2015
600 New Properties Announced For South Wales
A housing association operating across south Wales is to build 600 new properties over the next two years. United Welsh borrowed £50m from M&G Investments to fund the developments.
600 New Properties Announced For South Wales
A housing association operating across south Wales is to build 600 new properties over the next two years. United Welsh borrowed £50m from M&G Investments to fund the developments.
12 September 2012
Welsh GCSE English Papers To Be Regraded
In ongoing controversy over GCSE English results, education secretary Michael Gove has attacked his Welsh counterpart as "irresponsible and mistaken" for ordering disputed GCSEs to be regraded. Mr Gove has been giving evidence to the education select committee's investigation into head teachers' claims of unfair GCSE grades.
Welsh GCSE English Papers To Be Regraded
In ongoing controversy over GCSE English results, education secretary Michael Gove has attacked his Welsh counterpart as "irresponsible and mistaken" for ordering disputed GCSEs to be regraded. Mr Gove has been giving evidence to the education select committee's investigation into head teachers' claims of unfair GCSE grades.
01 July 2015
Next Phase For Wales' Metro System Starts
Work to deliver the next phase of a modern public transport Metro system in south east Wales could commence as early as 2017, the Welsh Government has said. Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, updated Assembly Members on the progress being made in delivering the South East Wales Metro.
Next Phase For Wales' Metro System Starts
Work to deliver the next phase of a modern public transport Metro system in south east Wales could commence as early as 2017, the Welsh Government has said. Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, updated Assembly Members on the progress being made in delivering the South East Wales Metro.
18 March 2015
Aldi To Create Over 400 Jobs In Wales
More than 400 jobs are to be created in Wales by supermarket chain Aldi, it has been announced. The retailer has confirmed it will invest £59.5m to construct a new regional distribution centre and offices in Cardiff. The project is being supported by the Welsh Government.
Aldi To Create Over 400 Jobs In Wales
More than 400 jobs are to be created in Wales by supermarket chain Aldi, it has been announced. The retailer has confirmed it will invest £59.5m to construct a new regional distribution centre and offices in Cardiff. The project is being supported by the Welsh Government.
03 April 2013
Chancellor Supports M4 Road Improvements
Chancellor George Osborne has said the proposed M4 relief road in South Wales is one of the most important road schemes in the UK. However he added that the idea of motorists paying a toll to drive on the motorway did not come from the UK Government. The Welsh Government has dismissed the idea of imposing a toll.
Chancellor Supports M4 Road Improvements
Chancellor George Osborne has said the proposed M4 relief road in South Wales is one of the most important road schemes in the UK. However he added that the idea of motorists paying a toll to drive on the motorway did not come from the UK Government. The Welsh Government has dismissed the idea of imposing a toll.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
