The head teacher of Crispin School in Street has set out the plan for which teachers will be involved in the allocation of GCSE grades this year.

In a letter to parents today (March 1), Paul Reddick has said that a number of teachers will be involved in the process to make sure the result is as fair as possible.

Mr Reddick also confirmed that GCSE results day this year has been moved forward to Thursday August 12.

He wrote: "The term Teacher Assessed Grades appears to be the term of choice this year.

"However, I feel this could be a little misleading. At Crispin, the following will have some involvement in the allocation of grades: subject teacher, second in department/head of Department/head of faculty (as appropriate), senior faculty link, assistant head teacher (Mrs Forward), deputy headteacher (Mrs Cowper) and myself.

"In addition to this, a wide range of colleagues will be consulted on the precise processes to be used and departments and faculties will work collaboratively and moderate judgments.

"There will then be support from examination boards and no doubt guidance from other bodies. My point in going into some detail is that although the subject teacher is of importance, they will be working in a system not as an autonomous individual.

"A crucial consideration for all involved in calculating grades will be 'can a particular grade be reasonably justified?'.

"We await further guidance and resources, not least from examination boards, but this does not appear to be imminent.

"However, to temper any frustration around this, it is probably correct that there is a certain pause for reflection so schools can consider what is best for their students within the situation they find themselves. But against that we have not got an enormous amount of time left.

"Several commentators have referred to the decision reached as the 'least-worst option'. The worst option would probably have been an overly rigid approach that would have unfairly favoured some students over others.

"I have repeatedly said to Year 11 students that no system is perfect and formal examinations are no exception - illness during the examination season, variable marking or questions 'falling' in a particular way can all play a considerable part in determining student outcomes."

Mr Reddick has also stressed that it is vital that no parent tries to unduly influence any part of the awarding of grades.

He said: "No one should attempt to ascertain the details of submitted grades to the examination boards.

"Colleagues are not allowed to divulge this information. All colleagues will be asked to inform me of any conduct which may have to be forwarded to the relevant examination board.

"I do not expect this to be the case at any stage and indeed I do not believe any concerns were raised with me when centre assessed grades were decided upon last year.

"In bringing this to your attention I want to avoid any situation which could cause considerable distress to any parent/carer, student or colleague.

"While I am far from complacent about the considerable importance of carrying out this process as well as possible for the students in Year 11, I also have complete faith in my colleagues to undertake their various roles in a diligent, fair and accurate manner."