Today is A-Level results day and I know that this will be met with angst, anticipation and even excitement amongst our college students. The hard work that you have put in over, not just two years, but your entire school career appears to culminate in today and I have no doubt that many of you will celebrate tonight - with your family in your household or over Zoom – that your hard work has paid off. For anyone receiving their A-Level results today, I want to wish you the very best of luck and you should be proud of what you have achieved!
A-Levels are a rite of passage to some people, seen as the hurdle between them and the glittering lights of university independence and the lure of the infamous “Freshers” but they are ultimately a stepping stone to their next challenge in life. Some students choose to go to University to pursue their interests and their, hopefully, chosen careers.
Others decide that they have reached the end of their time in education and join the world of work. Both these options come with newfound independence and that now you can choose your own path in life and both options are valid and laudable, the decision must be the right one for each individual student.
This year’s results days – both A-Level and GCSE – will be a little different though due to the Coronavirus pandemic and students did not get a chance this year to show their talent in the usual summer exam session and many students have contacted me worried that they will not achieve the results they expected they would.
It is, for this reason, I welcome the Secretary of State for Education’s announcement for a “Triple Lock” on GCSE and A-Level results. Every student wants to know that they have been treated fairly which I am assured the system of calculated grades will do. The grades students receive today will be based on the judgement of their school or college and have been moderated by exam boards to make sure the same standard is applied for all students.
Students will be able to accept their calculated grade they receive today (A-Levels) or next week (GCSE) however they could, if they wish, appeal based on a valid mock result or sit an exam in the Autumn. This opportunity to change their grade if they believe it is wrong ensures fairness to students across the country and The Government have assured students that all outcomes will be treated in the same way by colleges, sixth forms, universities and employers enabling them to progress to the next stage of their lives with confidence.
Once again, for anyone receiving their results today or next week, may I wish you success in whatever you choose to do in your future and may whatever you choose to do make you happy and fulfilled.
