Department for Education
But senior Tory also admits it "certainly was foreseen" that private schools would do better.
Gavin Williamson refused to answer when asked if he would resign over the debacle.
“It sends a clear message that the British government does not trust its teachers."
Nearly 40% of UK grades are expected to be lowered by a “biased” algorithm.
Following the closure of UK schools and cancellation of examinations due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Department for Education confirmed predicted grades would be awarded in its place on Friday. But experts, parents and students have warned that the changes would disadvantage Black and minority ethnic, working-class and other marginalised pupils in particular, many of whom are already under-represented in top universities. Speaking to HuffPost UK, a number of Black educators described being marked down in their predicted grades when they were at school.
Government's own figures reveal almost 4,000 schools in England require restoration work.
"Children’s services are now at a tipping point."
But government says a host of Oxbridge offers at academy schools shows the system is working.
In an extraordinary move, the statistics watchdog says "exaggerated" claims "do not give the full picture".
Daniel Jillings, 12, launched his own legal challenge.