THE average Year 10 pupil has missed a quarter of face-to-face teaching days this academic year, Labour analysis of attendance data shows. 

Shadow education secretary Kate Green called on ministers yesterday to provide clarity on plans for next year’s GCSE and BTec exams before the end of the summer holidays, following months of disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Her opposite number Gavin Williamson has already confirmed changes will be made to assessments but is yet to provide any detail. 

Labour urged the government not to repeat mistakes after muddled guidance has seen “striking inconsistencies” in the process that schools and colleges have used to assess pupils’ grades.

Ministers must work with exam boards and schools urgently to develop a comprehensive recovery plan that will help to level the playing field for the worst-affected children, the party stressed.

Ms Green said: “The Conservatives’ poor planning and preparation has created a second year of exam chaos.

“Ministers need to learn from their mistakes and set out a plan by the time pupils return to school in September.”