Top school asks for A-Levels to be remarked (From The Oxford Times)

Top school asks for A-Levels to be remarked

10:00am Saturday 18th August 2012 in Oxford

A TOP Oxford private school has asked for 66 A-Level exam papers to be remarked.

Magdalen College School is concerned about a variation in grades among English literature, history and geography students.

Teachers at the Cowley Place school believe tougher exams have led to more questions about how they are marked.

The £13,932-a-year school reported 85 per cent of its 130 students got A*s and As this year compared to 91 per cent last year.

Spokesman Sophie Langdale said: “Exam boards are saying that they expect more requests for remarks this year, as the top grades have been deflated.

“That is certainly our position, although we are delighted with the results generally.”

Oxfordshire County Council said about 46 per cent of pupils got two or more A* to B grades, up from 33 per cent in 2011.

Cabinet member for schools Melinda Tilley said: “The results show how hard they have worked and are also testament to the quality of the teachers in the county.”

Oxford High School head Judith Carlisle said: “Every year a few papers are remarked, but this is not unusual.

“Overall, we are extremely proud of the exceptionally-good results.”

Of the North Oxford independent school’s 74 students, 80 per cent got A*s and As while 96 per cent got A*s to Bs. The 2011 figures were 88 per cent getting the top grades and 98 per cent getting A*s to Bs.