Medical conditions and predicted grades

[tuintletuintle]

My son's academic performance in Y12 so far has been materially impacted by a medical condition. He is improving and he may still do very well by the time of his final tests in June. Predicted grades for use in Uni applications seem to be based on average results obtained throughout the year rather than year end results and this means my son's predicted grades may end up below his real potential. Is there any way I can challenge the school on their approach and give all weight to year end results?

For sure he can speak to the school about his PGs. It’s very usual IME for schools to, to some extent, tailor PGs to what is required. It’s not a good idea if students are then over-predicted, and I have known it end badly, but in your son’s case it sounds reasonable to base his PGs more on recent work.

Are there specific courses for which he needs certain grades? How far off are they likely to be?

@tuintletuintle this is the guidance that UCAS give to schools about predicted grades. You might find it helpful: https://www.ucas.com/advisers/help-and-training/guides-resources-and-training/application-overview/predicted-grades-what-you-need-know-entry-year

The predictions should be aspirational but achievable. I would recommend sending a carefully worded email to school that sets out the facts of your son's improving condition, but which could not be interpreted as "pressure".

If the medical reasons for his lower performance is temporary and he is predicated to make up the grades by next summer then they can predict higher than he achieves this year. If that isn’t likely they will have to state the lower grades but you can put mitigating factors on the application as some universities to take illness into consideration