Parents ready to sue after schools downgraded results

Thousands of school pupils had their teachers’ grades marked down by their own schools in Scotland’s exams fiasco.

Education Secretary John Swinney announced the downgrades for 124,000 pupils would be scrapped and grades would be based on teachers’ estimates after criticism and pupil protests.

But, as part of “internal moderation” designed to ensure consistency, thousands of pupils had their teachers’ grades marked down by head teachers and deputy heads. It is understood that at one school 41 As for Higher maths were submitted by teachers but only 29 were put to the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

The Sunday Post has been told some parents are seeking legal advice.

One parent said: “Some schools have been overriding the professional judgment of teachers and moderating results before submitting to the SQA. Teachers know the kids best. My daughter’s estimates were all a grade lower than expected. She has no chance of a place at university. Kids in Scotland should be given the chance to sit their exams this year.”

John Swinney survived a vote of no confidence after the SQA revised down more than 124,000 pupils’ results, disproportionately downgrading pupils from poorer backgrounds. The Education Secretary ordered the SQA to, instead, award affected students the results estimated by their teachers.

Scottish Labour ­education spokesman Iain Gray said: “The internal moderation process created by the SQA was extremely difficult for teachers and has left a number of pupils struggling to understand the grades they have been awarded.

“Consideration has to be given as to how the appeals process will allow them to have their grades reviewed.”

Conservative ­education spokesperson Jamie Greene said: “It’s vital the concern of any parent or pupil is investigated and the appeals process gives every pupil a chance to challenge injustice. The Scottish Conservatives called for pupils to be given every chance to succeed, including the option of sitting an exam.”

The Scottish Government ruled out pupils sitting exams. A spokesman said: “Qualifications are based on teacher judgment provided by the school to the SQA. Where any pupils have issues with grades, we would urge them to talk to their schools. It would be impossible to guarantee fairness by allowing re-sits to take place in a relatively short amount of time and under conditions that remain uncertain.”

An SQA spokesperson said: “This is a matter for schools and colleges. Estimates were approved by heads of centres. Any issues should be addressed within the school or college.”