14 January 2016

Changing Exams To Accommodate Ramadan 'Sets Very Bad Precedent,' Says Ofsted Chief Sir Michael Wilshaw

The head of Ofsted has said moving A-level and GCSE exams to accommodate Ramadan and other religious festivals would set a "really bad precedent", putting himself on a collision course with examination boards.

It emerged earlier this month a number of exams were rescheduled to avoid clashing with the Islamic holy month, after concerns were raised fasting Muslim students would be at a disadvantage.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), which represents examination boards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, defended the decision, saying it "meets the needs of various groups as far as possible".

But Ofsted head and Chief Inspector of Schools, Sir Michael Wilshaw, told LBC radio on Thursday morning: "I don’t believe we should re-organise the examination timetable to fit in with religious festivals and celebrations. Once we do that we set a very bad precedent. [The Huffington Post UK] Read more