I think it's a bit tail wagging the dog

If you're using the right data, then *broadly* the downgrades will be right.

If the schools can point to some other metrics that show their current crop, or individual students, are bucking those long term trends (say a headteacher changed, big investment in resources, a gifted cohort) then let them appeal and give them the benefit of the doubt. The schools will surely have the evidence to support the grades they put in.

But I remain unconvinced by any of the talking heads so far that a school that has traditionally done badly will all of a sudden have seen a big jump in attainment this year.

However.... all that said, at the end of the day I would just give them the benefit of the doubt this time and go with teacher predictions even if some of them might be over-egged. It won't make a material difference in the long run and they are entering the jobs/university market at such a s**t time that they deserve any leg up that they can get.

Posted By: CWC, Aug 13, 12:18:19