UCMAS Pickering

Ontario is proposing a major change to high school grading and exams through its new Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026. If passed, students in Grades 9 to 12 would face mandatory written exams on official exam days, while attendance and participation could count for up to 15% of final marks in Grades 9 and 10, and 10% in Grades 11 and 12. The province says excused absences like illness and holy days would not hurt students’ grades. 

The bill is part of a broader push to tighten control over school boards, after Ontario said eight boards have been placed under supervision since 2025. It would also bring in more standardized classroom materials and stronger oversight around trustee spending, governance, and school board operations.