Statement by the Minister for Education and Skills

Education Minister Leighton Andrews announced the publication of a report on the outcomes for GCSE English Language on 25 September 2012.

The report, prepared by regulatory officials, found that the August outcomes, showing a significant fall in the percentage of candidates in Wales achieving grades C and above were unjustified and almost certainly unfair.

It makes several recommendations, the first being that WJEC should re-grade GCSE English Language "to achieve outcomes that are as similar as possible to the outcomes achieved by candidates in 2011".

It emphasised that this re-grading should, preferably, "be applied to all of WJEC's candidates in both Wales and England".

The education minister reminded AMs that he issued a direction to the WJEC on 11 September, requiring by law that they issue regraded results in Wales within seven days.

Plaid Cymru education spokesperson Simon Thomas welcomed Mr Andrews actions in terms of the regarding and said that his party "believe you did the right thing".

Speaking on behalf of the Conservatives, Angela Burns AM called for details of the discussions between the minister's department, the WJEC and Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.

North Wales AM Aled Roberts acknowledged that the current GCSE exam is still fit for purpose.

Read this in Welsh.