Two Carlisle students who had organised a protest against the algorithm used to assess exam grades are breathing a huge sigh of relief.

Ellie Wilson and Caelum Savage, who both attend Trinity School in Carlisle, were left worried for their futures as the Government and exam regulator Ofqual pressed on with its plan to use the controversial algorithm to determine GCSE grades in the absence of exams.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson came under intense scrutiny after A-level results were announced last Thursday, as almost 40 per cent of students received lower grades than those estimated by their teachers.

Concerns were raised about pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds being disproportionally affected by the algorithm, with protests organised in Carlisle and across the country.

Criticism of the Education Secretary also heightened when it was revealed a report by the Education Select Committee took evidence in June about the negative effects the system would have on disadvantaged students.

Mr Williamson said at “every stage, one of the key things we have said” is “children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, those from ethnic-minority backgrounds, mustn’t be adversely affected as a result of having moderated grades”.

On Monday it was revealed the algorithm would be scrapped in favour of teacher predicted grades for both GCSEs and A-levels.

Ellie Wilson, 16, who lives in the Harraby in Carlisle, said: “I feel so much better now the decision to use teacher assessed grades has been announced. When I saw the news I started crying from shock and relief, knowing I and everyone else getting their A-level and GCSE results are going to be getting results that best represent all the work we’ve put in over the past years.

“I’m still nervous, but now I know the grades are going to be as accurate as they can be, given the situation.”

Caelum Savage, also 16 and of Stanwix, echoed his friend: “The u-turn Ofqual has made on the GCSE and A-level algorithm is a major relief for myself and many others. These are strange times and I can respect there was not necessarily going to be a perfect solution to the results problem, but the fact it took this long to reassess the situation after so many complaints were made is astounding.

“For many it is too little too late, but for me I feel greatly relieved I may now have a fairer chance of getting the results I need on Thursday.”

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is formally writing to the Education Secretary to request an immediate independent review into the grading fiasco.

The whole uncertainty has been very distressing for both Trinity School students.

“Hearing about the algorithm and knowing it was based off historical data and it was so inherently classist was terrifying,” said Ellie.

“I hadn’t slept properly in weeks because I’ve been looking through all the A-levels and the Scotland results and seeing how badly people have been treated by the system.”

Caelum added: “I have lost sleep over how genuinely scared I am about not getting the grades I deserve and need.”