DARTFORD: Startling claim as results row continues

MANIPULATING of A level marks could have been going on a long time before this year, says a Dartford head teacher.

Allegations that examining boards had slashed results of A level pupils nationwide resulted in an independent Government inquiry into the chaos last week.

But Jane Wheatley, head teacher at Dartford Grammar School for Girls, in Shepherds Lane, said: "I think it's been happening very consistently. There's always been this pressure to make sure results aren't rising."

Some of Mrs Wheatley's AS level girls are having their papers re-marked because their final course work grade was lower than their exam results.

But none of her pupils or students at Dartford Grammar School for Boys in West Hill, and Wilmington Grammar School for Girls in Parsons Lane, have missed a university place as a result of the row.

The three head teachers say returning papers to examination boards is not a new phenomenon but this year's crisis gives rise for great concern because of the scale of the allegations being made.

Dartford Grammar School for Boys' head Tony Smith said: "There have always been problems with marking. The difference this year is the suggestion it's on a far wider basis and the decision has been made at a higher level."

In response to the chaos, which could result in legal action by students who have missed a place at university, Education Secretary Estelle Morris said the A levels could be scrapped in favour of the international baccalaureate.

Already the baccalaureate is taken by half the boys at Dartford Grammar School and is being introduced for the first time at Dartford Grammar School for Girls this year.

Mrs Wheatley says the broader-style qualification means students will get more teaching during the two-year course, instead of being bogged down with constant exams throughout the AS and A level courses.

But Wilmington Grammar School for Girls' head teacher Maggie Bolton warned against a knee-jerk reaction to dump the new-style A levels because of marking problems in their first year.

"What's important," she said, "is that the grade system is fair and reflects the students' hard work."