Acland-Hood appointed to handle exams response
The government has appointed Susan Acland-Hood to lead on its response to exams amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The civil servant will become the Department for Education's second permanent secretary for six weeks.
Early on in lockdown, the government cancelled exams due to take place over the summer due to the outbreak. Her appointment follows mass backlash over A level and GCSE results, for which the government and Ofqual belatedly u-turned.
The algorithm used to moderate this year's grades led to thousands of students being downgraded, and after rising pressute across the board, the government reverted to teacher assessments to determine marks.
In a statement, the Cabinet Office said Acland-Hood's appointment would 'ensure that the government is able to respond fully to exam results, whilst also ensuring the return of schools in September'.
Read moreLatest News
17/04/2025 - 09:57
Almost two thirds of school support staff and over half of the teachers responding to a NEU survey said they personally provide and pay for extra food for pupils
17/04/2025 - 09:31
A survey by National Education Union members has found that an Ofsted inspection – or the prospect of an Ofsted inspection - adds to the working hours of 78 per cent of teachers.
16/04/2025 - 10:20
A survey by National Education Union (NEU) has found that of the 72 per cent of support staff work that work in excess of their contracted hours, just one in seven are paid for them.
15/04/2025 - 11:11
As World Earth Day approaches on 22 April, E.ON’s New Energy Academy has launched free green skills resources, designed for students aged 11–14.
15/04/2025 - 09:51
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has unveiled the first schools to benefit from the new Greener Schools pilot, which will enable schools to spend less on their energy bills and more on children’s education.
