Newport school launches probe into alleged GCSE problems

Burton Borough School in Newport said it is holding an internal inquiry into the situation that involves a member of staff. It is thought that GCSE computing science and information technology are affected.

Stephen Richards, acting head at Burton Borough School, said: "We have been investigating some issues relating to the implementation of GCSE computing science coursework.

"At all stages we have been in regular contact with AQA, the examination board who we are working with to ensure that our computing science students are not disadvantaged.

"Parents have been kept informed about these developments.

"All students who have been studying GCSE computing science and GCSE information technology are also taking the European computing driving licence – a qualification that is a GCSE equivalent qualification.

"All students will have followed a broad balanced curriculum of typically 10 or 11 qualifications.

"We cannot comment further on this matter until our investigations are complete."

One parent, who does not want to be named, said she had met Mr Richards to discuss her 16-year-old daughter's progress after discovering she had been entered for the ECDL test without the family's consent to changes in her study programme.

She said: "I, along with other parents, have been kept in the dark over the situation. My daughter is supposed to be taking GCSE IT, but I've got no idea whether she will actually be sitting it or not. I have got serious concerns not just about IT, but about the teaching of other subjects including science.

"I met with Mr Richards and a governor to discuss my concerns, but I was unaware of an internal investigation until now.

"My daughter isn't taking computer science, but I'm aware that an email was sent to some parents regarding issues with computer science on April 29.

"It is good that an investigation is being carried out, but I feel it may have come too late for those children due to sit their GCSEs.

"I would like to know how the school is going to make up for it." We're talking about the future of young people and all parents want the best for their children.

"At first I was blaming my child for poor grades."

In 2015, 63 per cent of Burton Borough students attained five A* to C GCSE grades.

Last month the Department for Education said it was looking closely at GCSE-equivalent qualifications such as the ECDL which can be taught in three days but is equivalent in the school league tables to a two-year GCSE such as history. The number of qualifications awarded has risen from fewer than 2,000 in 2014 to more than 30,000 in 2015.