MPs to debate petitions relating to the impact of covid-19 on education

The debate will be led by Petitions Committee Member Tom Hunt MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and a Minister will respond on behalf of the Government.

Cancel GCSE and A-levels in 2021 and replace with Course Work and Teacher Assessment

The petition, which has more than 157,000 signatures, states: “Cancel all standardise testing for year 11 and year 12 students in 2021. By replacing tests with smaller amounts of course work and teacher assessment, students would have a fair chance at achieving their target grades and it would relieve stress for teachers and students.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “Students will not be asked to sit GCSE, AS and A level exams this summer as planned in light of the ongoing impact of the covid-19 pandemic.”

Allow teacher predicted grades for BTEC students

The petition, which has more than 145,000 signatures, states: “The government should allow BTEC students to achieve teacher predicted grades rather than being forced into a system that is unethically downgrading thousands of students grades.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “Exams for vocational and technical qualifications are only continuing currently where they signal occupational competency. We will announce arrangements for summer term exams by end of February.”

Keep schools closed until May

The petition, which has more than 148,000 signatures, states: “Please don’t send students back until we know we have had the priority groups vaccinated such as the elderly, the extremely clinically vulnerable, and those with underlying health conditions.”

The petition is currently awaiting a Government response.

Close schools in Tier 4 areas

The petition, which has more than 145,000 signatures, states: “Schools can be a breeding ground for the spread of coronavirus. Children are mingling at schools and returning to families who are potentially vulnerable, keeping rates high.

“It's only been since schools opened that infection rates have been high in Kent, and keeping them open may keep it high.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “The Government has asked schools and Further Education colleges to restrict attendance from 5 January 2020 for most pupils and students. Early years settings will remain open to all.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one, or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Further Information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

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