Normally, this is the week in which GCSEs take centre stage. However, these are not normal times and circumstances are such that GCSEs have had to share top billing with A levels, vocational & technical qualifications, regulators and politicians. Ever since the publication of A level results pressure had been mounting on Secretary of State, Gavin Williamson to follow Scotland in accepting Centre Assessed Grades. Northern Ireland and Wales made similar decisions and so it was no surprise when, on Monday, Ofqual announced the replacement of its algorithm for general qualifications with teacher assessment. The decision, welcomed on all sides, will have immediate and longer lasting consequences.

For more on these stories and links to what else has been happening read our weekly Policy Watch briefing.

Policy Watch will return on 4 September.