A level results were revealed today as students returned to schools, sixth forms and colleges to pick up their grades.
But this year results have been slightly different after the pandemic forced exams to be cancelled and grades were awarded based on teacher assessments.
King Edward School headteacher Bennet Carr said: “One of the immediate impacts of the outbreak was the sudden cancellation of the public examinations and, understandably, our students and their teachers, were left frustrated at not having the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities after all their hard work.
“However, whatever our thoughts on the government’s controversial approach, today we must focus on the positives and celebrate the wonderful achievements of a very fine year group. A great deal of what they have accomplished here cannot be measured. Their contribution to extra-curricular activities, to teams and societies, their leadership, mentoring and care of the younger members of the school. Those things won’t be on their A level certificates, but they are achievements of equal value that they will take away from KES and that we shall remember them for, and for which we are grateful. We wish them all every success as they move onto the next chapters of their lives.”
And Stratford School had notable achievers including Vitor Alcalde, Millie Reynolds, Madeleine Thomas and Toni Kenewell.
Headteacher Neil Wallace said: “We are delighted with the results our students have achieved, even if the circumstances were not of our choosing. It has been frustrating not being able to share the successes of our students in person as their beaming faces on results day are one of the highlights of the year. Nevertheless, students should feel just as proud as those receiving results in any other academic year. We wish every one of our students the very best as they move onto a wide range of university courses, apprenticeships and other routes into employment. I’m sure they will leave Stratford School with the knowledge, skills and cultural capital they need to succeed in life, as well as positive experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
“There has been considerable hysteria in some sections of the media and a lot of fuss made over the process for awarding grades. The exam boards have used a standardisation process to ensure that this year’s grades are roughly in line with those of previous years, and this is important in terms of fairness to students over time. It is a shame that the government panicked and made another chaotic announcement a couple of days before the results were released, when they have had months to consider a range of options for how the system should work. Nevertheless, from our point of view, the process was managed rigorously and the outcomes are broadly in line with our expectations. Any discussion of the process for awarding grades should not detract from the fact that these results are the culmination of an immense amount of hard work over the last two years by students and staff.”
Southam College students were among those celebrating.
The vast majority accessed their university of choice with notable student performances including Molly Versey, Melissa Voice, Emily Heydon and Ben Fisher.
Headteacher Ranjit Samra said: “Results day recognises the talent and dedication of our students. They have shown incredible resilience and whatever grades they achieve we could not be more proud of them. We know that they will go onto make a wonderful contribution to society.
“It is also a time to recognise the efforts of staff who have supported students and their families in some very challenging times.”
