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My inbox continues to swell with awful stories of able, disadvantaged kids who have lost places at prestigious universities after being inexplicably downgraded. For instance, Joanna, who had a place at @PembrokeOxford to read biochemistry. Predicted 3A*. Downgraded to 2A and a B.
Joanna needed an A* in biology. It was her best subject. In mock exams she scored 71/75.
Her CAG for biology has been downgraded by two grades to a B.
She goes to her local sixth form college in Norfolk. First generation to go to university. “I’m just so upset”- she told me.
Her CAG for biology has been downgraded by two grades to a B.
She goes to her local sixth form college in Norfolk. First generation to go to university. “I’m just so upset”- she told me.
For her GCSEs she got the equivalent of 9A*. She’s never dropped below an A in any subject. Her teachers are incredulous.
Initially Pembroke rejected her outright. After complaint, they’ve said if her appeal is successful they’ll accept so long as there’s a ruling by 7th Sept.
Initially Pembroke rejected her outright. After complaint, they’ve said if her appeal is successful they’ll accept so long as there’s a ruling by 7th Sept.
She was rated number 1 in all her classes.
“I’m just completely stuck. I don’t know what to plan for. I’m already five steps behind and this is pushing me further back. I know this is basically happening because of where to school and that I’m poor. I can’t get over it.”
“I’m just completely stuck. I don’t know what to plan for. I’m already five steps behind and this is pushing me further back. I know this is basically happening because of where to school and that I’m poor. I can’t get over it.”
Naturally 7th September does not leave her much time. She is appealing all her grades. But the clock is ticking. We have no idea how long the process will take. She has to hope that it will be both successful and expeditious, or that @PembrokeOxford change their mind.
Thee were two candidates at Joanna‘a sixth form colleges who got places at Oxbridge this year. The college was very proud. Both have been downgraded and are both in the same boat. Waiting for what happens, at the stroke of a pen, with their appeals.
And to all those saying teachers shouldn’t have overestimated grades- you don’t understand what has happened. CAGs aren’t just blithe predicted grades. They were robust assessments of ability, with over 40 data points. Everything had to be clearly evidenced.
