Exam grading algorithms amid coronavirus: what’s the row about?

A pupil at Stonelaw High School receives a text message with her exam results on her mobile phone in Rutherglen, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, Aug 4. — Andy Buchanan/Pool via Reuters

NEW YORK: As millions of students in Britain await exam results this month, a row has erupted over algorithms used to calculate their grades after exams were cancelled due to the new coronavirus.

In a last-minute change following an outcry in Scotland, education minister Gavin Williamson said on Aug 12 that students set to receive their A level marks – used to enter university – on Aug 13 could use the results of earlier tests.