The headteacher at the Tytherington School has welcomed the government's u-turn to allow A-level grades to be awarded solely on the teacher's assessment.

Today the government announced that A-levels and GCSEs in England will be awarded based on the "centre assessment grades" from teachers.

The U-turn comes after days of criticism by students, teachers, and cross-party MPs over the controversial system for awarding results.

About 40% of A-level results were downgraded after the exams regulator Ofqual used an algorithm based on schools' previous results.

This means pupils in Macclesfield will now receive their grades originally predicted by their teachers rather than the government adjusted ones unless the adjusted grade was higher.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson had come under increasing pressure to reverse the government's grading system.

Thursday's GCSE results will now be based on predicted grades as well.

Manny Botwe, the headteacher of Tytherington School told Nub News: "We think it's a sensible move and it should ensure that students get the grades that they worked very hard to achieve."

Mr Botwe said the grading algorithm had downgraded 34% of grades at his school, which will now be reversed.

He criticised the government's handling of the situation, saying: "It has not been ideal and it has caused a lot of distress and anxiety. We always knew it was going to be a difficult process, but what we asked for was decisive plans so that everyone knew from the start what was going to happen."

He added: "There has been a lack of clarity and I've been disappointed by the process."

Macclesfield MP David Rutley has also welcome the government's decision, tweeting: "I welcome news that teacher assessed grades will now be used for A levels + GCSEs. Having spoken to head teachers + many families, I recognise this has been a challenging time. Hope this news helps pupils with their plans. Will go on assisting with issues relating to uni places."

The government has also removed the cap on university places, meaning students may still be able to get their institution of choice that may have been filled.

Cllr James Barber, who wrote a column over the weekend criticising the government's handling of the situation has welcomed today's u-turn.

He tweeted: "Absolutely delighted for those who've now been given much fairer grades!!! This U-Turn should never have had to happen however, and @GavinWilliamson should've just trusted teachers in the first place. Now, many have had 5 days of anxiety and panic due to a broken system."