Michael McAlister, Chief Executive of South West College and Chair of the College Principals’ Group in Northern Ireland.
Speaking on behalf of the Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland, Michael McAlister said:
“The Further Education Colleges are pleased that there is now an agreed way forward for students undertaking vocational and technical qualifications and essential skills in Northern Ireland.
“Understandably, there has been very real anxiety among our student population about what Covid-19 means for them and their qualifications.
“We welcome the Minister’s direction that calculated results will be used on general vocational and technical qualifications and essential skills and the assurance that all students are treated fairly and equitably in line with arrangements for GCSEs and AS/A Levels. This will allow a significant number of our students to progress to higher and further education and provides them with some certainty so they can plan ahead.
“For other courses where alternative solutions are required, we must wait on further guidance from the regulator and we want to assure students that our staff will work with them in the coming weeks so they can be awarded the grades they deserve.”