Former chief inspector of schools, Mike Tomlinson, published his independent review into the A-Level results fiasco today.

The 18-page interim report into the row over A-Level "rigging" acknowledged that some examination papers will need to be re-graded.

Forum Response: The Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gwen Evans, deputy general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, told ePolitix.com: "Justice has been done. It's a pity it had to be done this way, but this is no surprise due to the pressure on the system. What should have been done is a proper trial on the AS and A2 aggregation method. Had they done this, much of the mayhem would have been avoided.

"We offer our sympathies to all the pupils whose grades were not right the first time. There will also be a lot of teachers who were surprised by the results and now hope that wrongs will be righted.

"Everyone has a part to play in ensuring that the summer 2003 results don't have the mistakes made in 2002".

Forum Response: The National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary for the NUT, told ePolitix.com: "Mike Tomlinson is to be congratulated on his report and the speed with which he has produced it identifying the causes of the problem. In the very short term, finding where fault lies is of less importance than the position of the young people whose futures could have been damaged.

"The government must seek to do whatever is possible to repair the damage done to students as a result of the improper handling of their grades. That has to be the priority.

"The government also must have regard to the impact on next year's A-level candidates. Any threat to the availability of university places for them could well undermine their motivation. Indeed, the domino effect of this year's malpractice could be felt for years to come. The government must protect the interests of students of the future as well as those badly treated this year.

"Protecting their interests goes wider than just ensuring that the necessary university places are available. Public confidence in the examination system must be restored and the flaws found by Mike Tomlinson corrected. It must be remembered that this year the faults are with the administration and not the structure of the examination. Responsibility for ensuring that confidence lies with all the parties, not just government or the examination boards.

"Nothing will be achieved by rushing to abandon A-levels. Changes in the system must be the subject of in-depth consideration not a knee jerk reaction to pressure."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary for PAT, told ePolitix.com: "We are pleased that no evidence has been found of a 'conspiracy' or political interference, and that the problems with grading do not seem to be widespread across the system.

"However, our concerns must be with those students affected - and those not affected directly who have seen the value of their qualifications questioned by politicians and the media. Nothing can be more soul-destroying for a student who has worked hard than the suggestion that their grades may not be accurate.

"The government must act now to restore confidence in the A-Level system and to make sure such a horrendous situation does not happen again. Appropriate action must be taken - including regrading papers where necessary and investigating and bringing to account those responsible for this fiasco.

"Exams are already stressful - not only for the pupils, but also for their parents and teachers - and students are expected to perform to the best of their abilities. It is therefore appalling that so many questions have been raised to shake confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the system, when we should expect the highest standards.

"The debate on the future of post-16 qualifications must be considered and measured and pursue all the options. Schools, students and parents do not need knee-jerk reactions, and the Education Secretary must resist pressures for quick-fix measures to scrap the current system in favour of something else. There is already an alternative system - the International Baccalaureate - that schools can use if they so wish."