It’s an A-Level results day like never before after the coronavirus pandemic cancelled all examinations – but how did the schools and colleges in Essex perform?
Hundreds of teenagers will today be waking up to find out their long-awaited A-Level results, but instead of going into school and receiving a paper copy, most students will be logging online to find out their fate.
With no exams, students have been graded by their teachers - but there are fears many results will be downgraded as part of exam regulator Ofqual’s plan to adjust grades so they are in line with schools’ results from previous years.
MORE: Sixth form head boy says A-level results U-turn is ‘unfair’
On Tuesday, the Government introduced a “triple lock” system which allows pupils to appeal their results - which were predicted by their teachers and then moderated to reflect previous years.
Students will now be able to request the results of their most recent mock exams if they disagree with their grade or elect to “retake” exams in November.
If you would like to share how your child got on, get in touch with us here, with the name of the school and your contact details.
We will update results from schools in Essex as results come in to us.
Essex County Council (ECC) will not be publishing its usual headline figures and these grades will not be used for performance tables for schools, colleges or local authorities.
Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “The past few months have meant an extraordinary period of disruption for A-Level students, never before experienced by a cohort of pupils.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to all those receiving their results during what I know has been an extremely challenging and stressful time.
“I’d also like to pass on my thanks to all our teaching and school colleagues for their ongoing hard work and dedication throughout this period.
“If anyone is disappointed with their grades, there is an appeals process which their school or college will be able to support them with.
“I’d like to wish everyone that collected their results today the very best of luck in the future and hope that they enable individuals to take their chosen next steps.”
Colchester Sixth Form College
Ian MacNaughton, the college’s principal, said: “Arising from the major Government decisions and announcements made late on Tuesday night, which instigated a new ‘ triple lock ‘ system affecting all A-Level results for summer 2020, the A-Level results issued on Thursday, August 13 are now only interim results; final results will not now be made clear until the autumn or even early winter period.
“It would have been far better if these Government decisions and announcements had been made and put in place in the spring or early summer, rather than announcing that substantial changes are to be made, effectively creating another dimension to the system, two days after the Government had already released some results to the universities. It is not fair that the students and parents will need to wait weeks and months before final results become available.”
He continued: “It would also have been far better if the Government had adopted a consistent approach across each individual country in the UK.
“Schools and colleges are very disappointed and frustrated about the turbulence and uncertainty that the changes in systems and approaches, instigated by the UK Government, are having on their students and staff.
“We are also perplexed that there is significant inconsistency regarding the award of results in Scotland in comparison to those in England.
“In the context of the dreadful ‘last minute’ Government changes, at least students in Scotland now know their results – in England students will not have a clear confirmation of results until the autumn.”
Clacton County High School
Neil Gallagher, executive headteacher of Clacton County High School, said exam results time is “even more” emotional for students and their families this year.
He said: “Normally, I would be writing about the amazing and inspiring achievements of our young people, but this year my response is somewhat muted, as disappointingly some individuals have not been awarded the grades they deserve despite their amazing work and commitment.
For many of our sixth form students their future is shaped by their grades and whilst many of our students have been awarded grades in line with our expectations, some have had grades changed that we believe, as experienced professionals, just would not have happened had they sat the exam.
“Whilst the number of grade changes are small, each one effects an individual and determines whether they can access their university, apprenticeship or job of choice.”
Mr Gallagher said the ‘triple-lock’ approach, which is being used by the government to determine results, “does not work for all individuals”.
“There are so many past examples of students that have worked tirelessly to achieve grades that ‘prior attainment data’ would not have predicted possible,” he said.
“Whilst there are some disappointments, it has undoubtedly been a challenging time for all, there are still some very pleasing outcomes and I would like to congratulate all of our students and their teachers for their hard work this year and look forward to seeing our school community back together in September.”
Witham Sixth Form
Notable performers were:
• Sean Smith - A A Distinction*
• Jack McLaughlin - A A B
• Mihai Ursan - A A C
• Harry Taylor - Distinction* Distinction* Distinction
• Louis Reeve - Distinction* Distinction* Distinction
• Abbie Gibbons - Distinction Distinction Distinction*
• Aimee Gannon - Distinction* Distinction* Merit
Debbie Kershaw, director of Witham Sixth Form, said: “Whilst students have had to learn and adapt in very different circumstances, what has been evident throughout their time at sixth form is they have worked extremely hard and deserve the results they have received this year.
“Our primary focus now, is to ensure that all of our students make a smooth transition onto their next stages of their life, whether that be university, apprenticeship or employment.”
Clacton Coastal Academy (CCA)
David Lees, headteacher of CCA said: “Students at CCA have benefited immensely from the ability to take both academic and vocational courses whilst sixth form. This has given students flexibility and choice when deciding their next step.
“I am delighted by the wonderful achievements of each and every student and wish them every success in the future”.
Bradley Hutchinson achieved an A* in Design, Engineer, and Construction and said: “I am really excited to start at Dura Composites.
“I have been at Dura as a work experience student so I am really pleased that they have offered me a permanent position”.
Colchester County High School for Girls (CCHSG)
Mrs Gillian Marshall, the school’s executive principal, said the Year 13 students have “demonstrated their resilience in the most challenging of circumstances”.
She said: “The debate around the examination results continues, but today we should celebrate the amazing achievements of our Sixth Formers.
“Overall the academic attainment of the students is outstanding and their exceptional results represent the culmination of many years spent studying. We are so proud of them all.”
Lucy Parker gained 4 A* grades and will be progressing on to the University of Exeter to study Medicine. She is looking forward to her clinical placements and to experiencing the current unique and challenging hospital environments.
Riannon Chaplin was awarded A*, A*, A and gained a place to study History at Cambridge. Riannon joined CCHSG in Year 12 and said “I have really enjoyed being at CCHSG it has been the best 2 years of my school life.” Riannon, who is visually impaired, was prominent in Sixth Form activities, promoting language learning across the school as a Language Leader, and taking the role of editor and major contributor to the student magazine “The Kilt”.
Sophie Carlin is progressing to Cambridge to study English Literature. She said: “I am really grateful not only for the academic support that I received at CCHSG, but also for the way that I was encouraged to develop personally and all the different opportunities that were on offer.”
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