Petition · past parliament

Cancel Mock Exams & Mini-Assessments nationally for A-Level & GCSE Students

Rejected 14 signatures

What the petition asks

Students are under immense pressure, stress and anxiety; it's simply not fair for schools to force students to complete any form of assessment including but not limited to mock exams or mini-assessments. Students have missed months of learning...
..., especially during the first lockdown when remote learning wasn't properly established.

Centre Assessed Grades should be based on the teacher's prediction for what the student would have achieved if they sat the exam - referring to UCAS predictions, engagement in classes, homework, classwork or similar.

Ploughing ahead with any form of assessment will severely disadvantage so many students, particularly those whose families cannot afford a device for their child to access remote learning.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

Deciding whether to hold mock exams is a matter for individual schools, not the Government or House of Commons.

The Department for Education and Ofqual are consulting on the approach to awarding GCSE, AS and A level grades in 2021 following the cancellation of exams. You can find out more about this consultation here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-how-gcse-as-and-a-level-grades-should-be-awarded-in-summer-2021

We have published the following petitions, which you might like to sign:

Cancel GCSE and A-levels in 2021 replace with Course Work and Teacher Assessment: Cancel GCSE and A-levels in 2021 replace with Course Work and Teacher Assessment

Base 2021 GCSE and A-Level Grades on Teacher Considerations and Mock Grades: Base 2021 GCSE and A-Level Grades on Teacher Considerations and Mock Grades

Give students the option to take exams or receive assessed grades for 2020/21: Give students the option to take exams or receive assessed grades for 2020/21

Timeline

18 Jan 2021 Petition opened for signatures
20 Jan 2021 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 14
Status Rejected
Rejected 20 Jan 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.