Confusion over new grading system leads Ofqual to launch TV advert

Exams regulator Ofqual has launched a TV advert in order to explain the new 9-1 grading style.

Ofqual has set out adverts as well as specific Facebook and LinkedIn pages in order to provide further understanding of the changes to GCSE grading in England.

The new system replaces the A*- G system, and instead, pupils will receive a mark between one and nine.

It will be used for the first time this summer after pupils sit the new English, English literature and GCSE exams.

According to TES, Ofqual research showed that more than two-thirds of pupils and parents did not understand the new grading style and 84 per cent of human resources professionals were unsure that grade 1 will be worth.

Ofqual chief regulator Sally Collier told TES, that her organisation’s immediate focus would be to ensure there was clarity among heads, teachers and students approaching exams.

She added that the organisation wanted to “dispel some myths” as many people currently believe that 1 is the highest grade when 9 is, in fact, the highest.

“Our role is to set out the changes to ensure that people understand what they are, why they have come in, what it means, and to dispel some myths.”