PARENTS concerned about the grades their children will get after the cancellation of this year’s exams should not contact the school.

That’s the advice from Maria Lloyd, the head of education for secondary schools and specialist support at Fife Council, who said teachers would be “doing everything they can” to get top marks for pupils.

The cancellation of school exams in Scotland is unprecedented and in a letter to parents she said: “Inevitably, this means there will be some uncertainty for our young people who were preparing for exams.

“I want to reassure you and your children that teachers, who know your children best as learners, will be doing everything they can to ensure they are awarded their best possible qualifications.”

Teachers will look at coursework, assignments and folios completed throughout the year as “ongoing evidence” when assessing what certification should awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

And an appeal arguing that the grade should be higher, which normally costs money, is likely to be free.

Ms Lloyd said: “Our teachers will work hard to use all available evidence to support their professional judgement to give accurate predictions.

“I want to emphasise that there is no need for your child to be in school to complete work.

“The SQA will provide further details on the estimation of grades as soon as possible and they will inform us of what they will need from teachers and the approach that will be taken to certification.

“At this stage, I would ask you not to contact your child’s school as we are still awaiting further instructions from the SQA.”

She said the SQA had “indicated” that their post-results service will be free of charge this year and explained: “This service is when the school are concerned about the grade your child has been awarded and they can request a clerical review.

“Parents cannot request this directly to the SQA.

“We will continue to work with the SQA to ensure the hard work of our young people has been properly recognised and accredited fairly.”

Ms Lloyd said that Skills Development Scotland were continuing to provide careers information, advice and guidance for all young people and were looking at how to further develop online services.

This will be done via phone, Skype or online. To speak to a careers adviser, call the Dunfermline centre on 01383 745610.

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