A-levels fiasco: I have full backing of Prime Minister, says Gavin Williamson

Education Secretary and South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson today insisted he had the full support of Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the A-levels fiasco, but refused to confirm reports that he had offered to resign over the crisis.

Mr Williamson also said the U-turn allowing teacher-assessed grades to stand - which came shortly after angry A-level students marched on his constituency office in Codsall - was effectively a joint decision between himself and Ofqual.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Mr Williamson said his focus "at every stage" was ensuring the best outcome for young people.

There have been calls for Mr Williamson to be sacked for his handling of A-level results but he insisted the PM remained behind him.

Students from Codsall Community High School march to Mr Williamson's constituency office

"Absolutely. We are working together to make sure we deliver results so young people can progress," he said.

Asked whether he offered to resign, Mr Williamson said: "My focus is purely on making sure young people get the correct examination grades, whether that is GCSEs or A-levels and making sure schools get back for September."

The cabinet minister also sought to clear up confusion over whether it was him or the regulator Ofqual who made the final decision to accept grades put forward by teachers, suggesting it was effectively a joint decision.

He said: "My recommendation to the Government was put to move to teacher-assessed grades. Ofqual is the regulator who makes that decision.

"It was the right decision to move to centre-assessed grades when it was clear there was unfairness in the system."

Earlier, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said all ministers were “trying to do their best” in unprecedented circumstances, adding: “I know that is true of Gavin Williamson”.

Mr Hancock defended his fellow Cabinet minister, saying that he is focused on trying to get all children back to school for the new term after their education was disrupted by coronavirus closures.

“These are unprecedented circumstances and I think everybody is working their hardest and trying to do their best in very difficult circumstances, and I know that is true of Gavin Williamson as it is of all members of the Government,” he told Sky News.

“The big focus is on getting schools back and open at the start of next month, an incredibly important task.

“I don’t think we should be distracted from that task now. We need to absolutely focus on it.”