To ask the Minister of Education what guidance he is giving to schools concerning where pupils should be during study leave after GCSE exams this year.

In normal circumstances pupils in Years 12-14 would begin study leave during the summer term in preparation for public examinations. It remains a matter for schools to decide in their own context, the best approach for these pupils during the current Summer Term. This recognises the need for flexibility for schools and also the potential difficulty engaging some pupils following the completion of their qualifications.

However, on 22 March 2021, my Department issued advice to all schools, to encourage them to teach pupils in Years 12 to 14 for as long as possible. In particular, my Department has strongly recommended that pupils in Year 13 continue to be taught in school until the end of the Summer Term. These pupils are mid A Level course and a significant amount of face-to-face learning has been lost. Again, given the context of two periods of extended remote learning, my Department has advised schools to consider enrichment activities or taster sessions for pupils in Years 12 to 14 during June and following the submission of Centre Determined Grades for their GCSE and A Level qualifications.

You will also note that the dates for the submission of Centre Determined Grades to CCEA are 21 May for A Levels and 4 June for GCSEs. These dates have been designed to maximise face-to-face teaching for Years 12 to 14 whilst allowing time for CCEA moderation of the grades submitted by schools.