Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has said he is delighted for A-Level and AS-Level pupils, after the Education Minister announced a U-turn to award them the highest grade from either teacher predictions or awarded by CCEA.

Peter Weir’s reversal came in the wake of an earlier announcement that GCSE students would be based on teacher assessments. Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, said the Minister should apologise for his actions before today’s announcement.

“On Friday, I asked the Minister if he would like to take the opportunity to apologise to those pupils affected by the clear disadvantage from his decision, an opportunity he declined. Following today’s announcement, that apology needs to come,” said Mr Lyttle.

“However, the question needs asked about why Peter Weir made this decision and change his mind, when only days earlier he was defending his process? Was it another case of waiting until the UK Government decided to do similar and then follow suit, as with school closures? As the largest party, it is time the DUP decided to lead Northern Ireland instead of following the Conservative Government as standard.

“While this news is welcome, we are not through the woods just yet. The delay of the Education Minister has risked many pupils missing their university place. We now need a prompt delivery of the new grades and support for those who need it to move on in their educational career.”