The A-level grade crisis has reiterated many things for me & one significant aspect is the fact that the system will never deliver justice because it is not designed to.

Some reflections on the grade crisis & the role of law/lawyers.

Often when we think of law - we think of justice. This is quite simply a fallacy.
Systems/processes/policies/rules/laws do NOT guarantee justice or fair outcomes.

In fact - they often perpetuate injustice.

The extremely narrowly defined routes for challenge/appeal & absence of any real guidance re A level/GCSE etc results is yet another example of how this all works out in practice. Where the system leaves thousands of the most disadvantaged - abandoned.

Over the past week or so whilst trying to work in this space, I have learnt more about the role of lawyers when it comes to these situations. Unsurprisingly - if there is no legal route - lawyers do not see a role for themselves in the fight.

I am again constantly reminded of the need for lawyers that see themselves beyond the confines of the black & white lines and square boxes. Even where the law/policy fails to offer a route of challenge - how else can we support those directly impacted?

Often those other avenues of support are OUTSIDE of the law. Whether that be through alternative forms of advocacy, shining a spotlight on these issues, using our platform/privilege to get these voices a platform, thinking creatively about other types of support - we have a role.