Rejected petition Cancel International ALevel & IGCSE Exams (CIE&Edexcel)

Rejected on 14 January 2021

Through this petition, all we are asking for is an equal chance for success, and equal opportunities for students both in the UK and globally, as this mass outbreak of COVID-19 is likely to affect many students sitting these exams internationally, and in many cases worse than the UK’s outbreak.

We, IAL students around the world, are pleading to the UK government to reconsider their decision and make the same call they have for the UK students, as to preserve the interest of students and maintain equal treatment internationally. Many of them will attempt to enter UK universities, and now have an uphill battle against students who, due to not having to sit exams will in most cases be awarded grades they would not necessarily get if they were to sit exams, and as such it puts International students at a competitive disadvantage.

Why was this petition rejected?

It’s about something that the UK Government or Parliament is not directly responsible for.

Decisions about courses and assessments that are delivered by independent educational institutions, as opposed to state schools, are a matter for individual exam boards and educational institutions, not the Government or House of Commons.

We could accept a petition calling for the Government to prohibit any exams from taking place during the Covid-19 outbreak, if that is something you want to happen.

We understand that the current situation is stressful for many people, including students. Student Minds, a mental health charity for students, is collating guidance and developing resources to support students experiencing stress as a result of the current situation, which you may find useful: https://www.studentminds.org.uk/coronavirus.html

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.