There wasn’t space for solutions in my new Guardian column about our broken exams system https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/sep/15/englands-exam-system-is-broken-lets-never-put-it-together-again But I’ve given some some before about lifelong learning: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/jan/15/century-adult-education-tossed-aside, exceptional circs: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/jun/18/ruthless-exam-system-where-bereavement-barely-matters-alevel-gcse appeals: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/aug/16/a-level-marking-grades-remark-schools .. 1/2

On Open University as a second chance: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/14/gove-education-reforms-failing-children
And on more chances for vocational qualifications https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/aug/15/new-gcse-life-chances-students-coursework
Plus how to get an Oxbridge degrees without any grades! https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/nov/19/heres-an-election-idea-why-not-let-anyone-sit-oxbridge-finals

To be clear: I’m a big exams advocate. Huge! But it’s because I care so much about them I think improvements are always needed. And having 20 exams in the June when you’re 16 act as a cliff edge for education is pretty mad.