THE Scottish Youth Parliament and other young people's charities have joined academics from Scotland, England and Wales in an open letter urging changes to the SQA appeals process.
Nicola Sturgeon has insisted the Scottish Qualifications Authority has not "ignored" young people's extenuating circumstances over the new exam replacement system.
That's after a furious backlash following its announcement by Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville on Wednesday.
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The method does not allow special circumstances like parental loss or mental health problems to be considered when grades are awarded, apart from where pupils have extensions to deadlines agreed.
Appeals will be allowed where learners suspected administrative errors have occurred or that the Equality Act has been breached, and awards can be downgraded.
In an open letter, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) and others including children commissioner Bruce Adamson (above) call for reconsideration, stating: "We feel that we can, and must, do better for young people and students."
Sophie Reid, MSYP for Girlguiding Scotland and trustee of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “Many young people across Scotland felt like the publication of the appeals process was another example of their views not being heard on issues that affect them. This is another blow to those that have already had an incredibly challenging year."
Sturgeon said the appeal process "caters for the exceptional circumstances" of bereavement and "lessons have been learned from last year", when an exams controversy broke out.
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