THOUSANDS of A-level students in England are set to see their grades increased following a U-turn by the Government.

Grades will now be based on teachers’ assessments rather than the controversial algorithm devised by Ofqual.

Students and teachers had criticised the system, with the change set to apply to GCSE results in England, which are due to be released on Thursday.

Students who were awarded a higher grade by the moderation process will be allowed to keep it, but for many pupils, their teachers’ predictions could see their grades increased.

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Ofqual chairman Roger Taylor said: “We understand this has been a distressing time for students, who were awarded exam results last week for exams they never took. 

“After reflection, we have decided that the best way to do this is to award grades on the basis of what teachers submitted. 

“We have therefore decided that students be awarded their centre assessment for this summer – that is, the grade their school or college estimated was the grade they would most likely have achieved in their exam – or the moderated grade, whichever is higher.

“The path forward we now plan to implement will provide urgent clarity. We are already working with the Department for Education, universities and everyone else affected by this issue.”