Given the unprecedented and challenging conditions, students find themselves entering exam season in, it is imperative that the University of Reading follows other UK universities in implementing a ‘no detriment’ policy.



Following the closure of the University, many students will find themselves in environments unconducive with studying. Lack of university facilities is significantly impacting students’ academic potential. Meanwhile mental and physical illnesses caused and exacerbated by the impacts of Covid-19 further deprive students of demonstrating their full capabilities.



A ‘no detriment’ policy acts as a ‘safety net’ to ensure students obtain their current grade or higher, so long as they secure at least 40% in their summer examinations and coursework. Such a policy also allows students to raise their overall grade if they exceed their running average in remaining work.



This will ensure that students’ performance to date is not adversely affected by the conditions caused by Covid-19. It ensures that those who perform better in exam conditions remain able to boost their final grades whilst maintaining a stimulus to revise and ensure optimum performance to improve overall grades.



Many of the country’s leading universities, including Edinburgh, St Andrews and Exeter, have already implemented such a policy. In turn, they have provided reassurance to students who have been adversely impacted that grades will be a reflection of students’ overall performance and capabilities rather than of the impacts of Covid-19.