There are no ‘right’ answers to the exams crisis – we must trust teachers

Editorial: The government’s proposal of teacher-assessed grades is sensible – the only alternative is to put every schoolchild through a repeat year of education

Schools will be given wide flexibility in deciding how teachers form judgements (Getty)

It could almost be a tricky question in the newly established A-level Covid studies exam: “Grading exams without exams is impossible. Discuss.”

So far, the tutorials provided by the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, haven’t really provided the students with much material to refute the proposition, given that the key to a good grade here is a thoroughly discursive exploration of the arguments.

Mr Williamson professes to place near-absolute confidence in the teachers. So does his headmaster, and head of classics, Boris Johnson. There will be various exam board assessments of a non-binding nature (non-exam exams) and teachers can base their assessments on properly conducted mock exams, as well as coursework. A manual describing what is expected, grade by grade, will be supplied. All concerned declare their adherence to professional standards of behaviour, academic excellence and the interests of pupils.