Exam results: Government announces U-turn over downgraded marks

The U-turn comes after similar announcements in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland following protests from students after thousands were downgraded, with many being marked down by up to three grades.

But for some students it comes too late, like Amber Whitby (18), of Kimberworth Park, who lost out on her place at Durham University.

Amber, who studied A-level criminology, law, and history at Thomas Rotherham College, had been predicted AAB - but was devastated to receive three Cs last Thursday.

"I needed AAB to get in, which my teachers said I was going to achieve," said Amber. "Then on results day, getting three Cs they (Durham) declined me.

"Thankfully I had an unconditional offer from Sheffield Hallam at Christmas, which I put as my insurance choice, but if I didn't put that then I wouldn't have got into any university with three Cs."

Prior to today's U-turn, some Rotherham schools had already announced they would be reverting to GCSE teacher-assessed grades this week.

Brinsworth Academy told its Year 11 students: "Whilst we're still awaiting GCSE results, we would like to reassure those of you planning to attend BA sixth form that we will be using your centre-assessed grades to make that decision."

Dinnington High adopted the same approach.