GCSE and A Level students in England will not be asked to sit exams

It comes as education secretary Gavin Williamson prepares to deliver a statement to MPs tomorrow on a package of support for young people following the announcement that schools and colleges will close to all but vulnerable learners and children of key workers as a result of the latest national Covid-19 lockdown.

The Department for Education confirmed that it will now work with exams regulator Ofqual on how best to award grades that "reflects the hard work" of pupils.

It said: “There is recognition that this is an anxious time for students who have been working hard towards their exams.

“The Government position is that we will not be asking students to sit GCSE and A-levels. Working alongside Ofqual, the department will consult on how to award all pupils a grade that reflects the hard work they’ve done and will continue to do.”

Mr Williamson says education continues to be a "national priority", adding that it is "vital" students who were due to sit exams receive the support they need to progress to their next chapter.

• Covid: PM shuts schools in third national lockdown expected to last until mid-February

He said: “I know what a challenging time this is for families, young people, and for everyone working so hard in education. I also know the enormous lengths that teachers and support staff have gone to throughout this pandemic – the benefit of that work on children’s education and wellbeing is quite simply immeasurable, and has enabled millions to be back in classrooms spending valuable time with their teachers.

“It is now vital that we support our young people at home, including making sure all students are receiving the best possible remote education, and that those students who were due to take exams can still progress to their next stage of education or training.

“Education continues to be a national priority – these new national restrictions do not change that. I am determined that this virus, and the steps we all must take to fight it, do not come at the cost of children’s life chances.”