Sunderland students, parents and teachers must 'be proud' of A Level results after 'challenging' year, say city leaders

Teenagers across the country have been receiving the results of A levels and other qualifications.

And regardless of their results they have been praised for their handling of the uncertainty and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 lockdown, which has seen a generation of youngsters excluded from exam halls and classrooms for months.

“All of the students who received their results today should be incredibly proud of themselves for achieving their A levels amid ongoing coronavirus restrictions,” said Jill Colbert, chief executive at Together for Children, the organisation which runs children’s services in Sunderland.

“Their experience is something no other cohort of students has ever been faced with before and I am amazed by the way in which young people in Sunderland have dealt with these challenging circumstances.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone receiving their A level results today and wish them every success in the future, whatever their next steps are.”

Many faced an anxious wait, with today’s results set to determine future routes into jobs, employment and training.

Instead of exams, which were cancelled, pupils were given a ‘centre assessment grade’ in each subject, based on factors such as mock exam results and coursework.

Early estimates have suggested more than a third of grades awarded in A levels, BTECs and other qualifications were lower than expected.

But overall, education bosses in Wearside have been pleased with results.

Colbert added: “The results received today cannot be compared to other years given the circumstances surrounding this years’ exams, however the results received are in line with previous performance and are broadly in line with what we were expecting.”

Louise Farthing, cabinet member for children’s services at Sunderland City Council, said all pupils, parents and teachers should be proud of today’s results ‘particularly given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding this year’s exams’.

Together for Children’s Careers and NEET Service is offering advice to anyone uncertain about next steps following their results.

Information is available on a range of options including further and higher education, training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

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