Sinn Fein spokesperson on Young People, Catherine Kelly MLA has expressed concern after it was revealed today that a third of pupils’ results fell below grades predicted by their teachers.

Catherine Kelly said: 

“The hopes of so many young people have been dashed by an algorithm that appears to have generated inconsistent and erratic results and is feared to have discriminated against high achieving pupils from disadvantaged areas.

“I have sought input from the Human Rights and Equality Commission to provide clarity and guidance.

“I am calling on the Minister of Education to take urgent action to resolve this and take immediate steps to protect the future of young people. Those hoping to seek further education have only a small window of opportunity to secure places.

“The Scottish Minister did not hesitate to put right this wrong. Peter Weir needs to act with similar decisiveness.

“I am sure the minister wishes to do his best for our young people. It would be unfortunate if failure to act resulted in legal action to address any such inequality.”