solutions:
1) offline file uploaded to internet and interpreted by some program. yes maybe Psi is right, the language designed for internet do not allow that? i'm not sure, i havent touch php yet
2) use more compact GUI even if it has to be a big table. at least we can click for all students at once and click save only one time, 1 class complete, no need fancy csv->sql converter (solution 1)
i'm just assuming, but with current tech and fanciness, both should be possible.
now SeanB, you raised another issue, and that is just about relevant, i didnt want to get into that but since you raised it. brilliant class's students, poor performing class's students, they all 'MUST' pass band 3, I dont care what you should do ("I" means the boss) what?! easy! we make different exam/assessment sets. easy questions go to poor class, standard (or more difficult) questions go to brilliant class, in the end all students get band 3, same! brilliant idea? i dont know this is just the beginning. its starting last year and we've been briefed 10% of the whole story.