The Government is for u-turning

An algorithm doesn’t write itself.

Maybe Gavin Williamson or Boris Johnson didn’t write it, but they ordered it to be done.

They would have been told the consequences.

Statistical analysis would have told them 39% would have their marks downgraded, and the model used favouring those from small schools, small classes and obscure subjects. Those from large schools, large classes doing maths and science would be massively disadvantaged.

But they went ahead anyway.

And on Wednesday, when Scotland made the same mistake, Conservative and Scottish Conservatives made hay, blaming the SNP’s First Minister.

But the model was the same used in England, Johnson and Williamson could have did what Sturgeon did and scrap the adjusted marks, but they went ahead.

Johnson called the system “robust” over the weekend as the backlash grew louder.

Even the Daily Star got it. How serious it was.

The, at four yesterday afternoon, the most inevitable U-turn of all happened. The teacher predicted grades would be used. But for many, already too late.

It turns out that an unconditional offer of a place at university is a legally binding contract, and those who got places meant for those who were downgraded cannot have their places taken away. Many courses are full. So, for many, they will have to wait a year to begin university, losing a year of paid employment later.

Those living with their parents might find that as they are no longer full time students, their parents lose many benefits. Others will have to try to find work for a year in the toughest job market for 40 years.

But next year’s university entrants will have two years of graduates pushing for the same number of places, meaning a second year gets disadvantaged.

And most universities cannot take on extra students because in June the Government capped numbers, punishable by huge fines is the cap is broken.

All could have been avoided had the Government realised what was happening in Scotland would also happen in England. But they ploughed on, not really caring. Or oblivious.

Johnson said in the last year he would be personally be responsible for the levelling up of the country, the buck stopped with him. Well, will the Prime Minister consider his position or will he try to blame the exam board?

What do you think?

Meanwhile, Johnson appointed Dido Harding, the head of England’s failed track and trace system to be head of the new body to replace Public Health England. Which will also have oversight on the still failing track and trace system. Her husband, Tory MP John Penrose is a board member of a think tank which called for PHE to be abolished.

You cannot make this up.

If the Government can screw up a simple thing like A Level results, imagine how great Brexit is going to be without a trade deal?

Imagine that, and put it on the side of a bus.