Law firm helps pupils challenge teacher-assessed GCSE and A-level grades but school leaders claim move will be reserved for 'privileged parents'

A law firm has set up a special service to help pupils challenge teacher-assessed GCSE and A-level grades.

Claimsmiths believes there will be a large numbers of appeals from pupils who think teachers judged them too harshly.

Citing government research which showed higher GCSE grades can boost lifetime earnings, the London-based firm said it will handle challenges in ‘a measured, professional fashion to minimise the emotional anxiety’.

A law firm has set up a special service to help pupils challenge teacher-assessed GCSE and A-level grades (stock image)

But Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU, slammed the ‘immoral’ service, adding: ‘We know some law firms are ambulance chasers... But when that extends to GCSE and A-level grades it’s just ridiculous.’

It comes after heads complained many parents had threatened them with lawyers’ letters if their child does not achieve the grades they need for university.

Teachers are deciding this year’s grades after exams were cancelled for a second year in a row.

While overall a record number of A and A* grades are expected to be handed out, there are bound to be some pupils who are disappointed.

It cites Department for Education research on how higher GCSE grades can boost lifetime earnings by over £200,000

Claimsmiths, a consumer focused arm of the London law firm Brandsmiths, says it will handles such challenges in ‘a measured, professional fashion to minimise the emotional anxiety’.

It cites Department for Education research on how higher GCSE grades can boost lifetime earnings by over £200,000.

Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU teachers’ union, said: ‘We know some law firms are ambulance chasers, and that’s bad enough.

‘But when that extends to GCSE and A level grades it’s just ridiculous.

‘This is a completely immoral playing on parental fears.’

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: ‘What do not need... is to have their expert judgments questioned and picked over by lawyers acting for the privileged minority of parents in a position to be able to afford them.’