GCSE season is recognised by most as a monumental period of any person’s life. Five years of crucial education prepares awaiting teenagers for a grueling range of exams, that sets them up for the life ahead. But, what if, for one reason or another, their ability to take them is hindered?

Thousands of young people across the country are diagnosed with conditions, like cancer, that force them to endure relentless bouts of treatment or to live with often unbearable, chronic pain. Suffering enough with this severe burden, anyone with a tinge of empathy would expect them to receive support, not only from their loved ones, but the government and exam boards, too. If these children are undergoing strenuous medical procedures, why should they have to consider whether they will be able to pass their exams? In the UK, they have no other option.

The UK government presents children, whom may not even be able to sit their exams, with the addition of 5% to their result, which, in many cases, is zero to start with. That is zero plus five. 5% of any exam paper, on any exam board will equate to nothing but an ‘ungraded’ – a fail. A fail to those who have worked and aspired, like their peers, just to be dealt an awful hand. This is utterly inequitable, and the general public have decided to do something about it.

Created by James Jewell, a Seaford Head Student, a petition has been set up, on the official government website, to campaign for those who are facing oftentimes life-threatening illnesses to be given Centre Assessed grades. This is so they will receive a grade that truly represents their hard work. In recent years, due to Covid-19, this grading process has been a necessity due to exams not taking place. If it can be done on such a large scale, surely this is a fair and plausible system to have in place for the most vulnerable.

Nigel Jewell, father of James Jewell, and Deputy Headteacher at St Catherine’s College believes, “It removes the pressure of worrying about preparing for exams when students may be struggling through intrusive medical treatment.  It's tragically unfair to receive a diagnosis such as cancer in your exam year; why should this unfairness be compounded by ending up with GCSE (or A level) grades which do not reflect your potential.” This illuminates one indisputable fact – the current exam system kicks you when you are down.

None of us know what is around the corner. Make everyone’s future fair. Sign the petition and help it reach its goal of 10,000: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/633777