Ulster Unionist Education spokesperson, Robbie Butler MLA, has called on the Education Minister and his Department to provide a solution within 24 hours for those students enduring an A-level results nightmare.

Mr Butler said:

“Regrettably this A-Levels results day has been a nightmare for some students, teachers and parents. Whilst many students and their parents will be happy with their results, some have been left devastated. What we need now is for the Education Minister to provide a roadmap to a solution within 24 hours. We cannot allow students from Northern Ireland to be disadvantaged when they are competing with those from England, Scotland and Wales for university places and jobs. It`s not acceptable.

“The methodology used has devalued A-levels in a lot of cases. I have spoken with many principals and it is clear that there is no common understanding of how statistical data standardisation has been implemented and the fact that an impersonal algorithm has had such a negative impact on some students` prospects means it requires urgent review.

“I believe that teacher assessments have been disproportionately disregarded as CCEA changed the value placed on teachers` predictions and instead relied too heavily on a centralised cohort and rank order. 

“I am also very disappointed that Universities have already issued rejection letters despite knowing full well the unique and challenging circumstances facing this year`s A-level results. They now need to build flexibility into their approach to be part of the solution rather than slamming the door on those who have been affected by flaws in the system.

“We should also be mindful that the number one issue raised by students pre-Covid was mental health and wellbeing. For many, this will be magnified by what has happened with the A-level results where disproportionate downgrading of many results will further compound pre-existing issues. This is why we need the Education Minister to move urgently to provide a solution and end the uncertainty and suffering."