This week I highlight publication of the latest DfE School Governance update and confirmation of the examinations and grading plan for next year.

September 2022 DfE School Governance update
The September school governance update provides information on the Energy bill relief scheme, publication of the Academy Trust Handbook 2022, updated guidance on governance processes in federations, the online service Inspiring Governance which recruits governors and trustees for schools and trusts, governors and trustees views sought on school food guidance and training, updated information on the Risk Protection Arrangement in relation to cyber cover and regulatory mock trials.

Confirmation of exams and grading plan for 2023
The Government has confirmed that next year’s GCSE and A-level grades will return back to pre-pandemic levels, albeit with a “soft landing” and exam aids will be allowed in some subjects. The DfE has said senior examiners will use the grades achieved by previous cohorts of pupils, along with prior attainment data, to inform their decisions about where to set grade boundaries. Advance information, which was used last academic year to help students target their revision, will not be available again, however formulae and equation sheets will remain in GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science.

A consultation will be launched to “futureproof” exams and this includes guidance for schools about how to gather consistent evidence to ensure “preparedness” should exams need to be cancelled ever again. Exams boards body the Joint Council for Qualifications will consult on maintaining extra spacing between exams next summer and it will be proposed that the expectation pupils engage with unfamiliar and abstract material, such as unfamiliar vocabulary, in modern foreign language GCSE exams will be removed from next year onwards.