Ofqual 'to look closely' at GCSE grade changes
The examinations regulator Ofqual is to "look closely" at concerns over grade changes to English GCSEs.
After threats of legal action by teaching unions, Ofqual is now looking into claims that thousands of pupils in England and Wales were unfairly marked down in their English papers.
The proportion of GCSEs - taken by pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - awarded an A* - C grade fell for the first time in 24 years when the results were released on Thursday.
The Department for Education (DfE) said it welcomed Ofqual's decision.
The BBC's deputy political editor James Landale reports.
26 Aug 2012