Schools in England will be able to appeal against A-level and GCSE grades for free, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has told The Times, after 40% of A-level results were downgraded from teachers’ predictions. The government is facing mounting criticism over its handling of exams. Mr Williamson said that, by covering the fees, head teachers would not be deterred from making appeals. The move will cost between £8m and £15m and should help to avoid “shocking injustices”, he added.