Education chiefs in Liverpool have praised the hard work and resilience of A-level students – and urged them not to be downhearted if the grades they receive today are not what they had hoped for.
Students were unable to sit their tests earlier this summer due to COVID-19, so the results are based on a grade which has been calculated by examination boards.
Yesterday, the Government announced a triple lock so results will be the highest out of their estimated grades, their mocks and an optional written exam in the autumn.
Schools and colleges are making sure their students are well supported to explore all the options that are available.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “This has been an extraordinarily stressful period for all students, but particularly those who were unable to sit exams after putting in a tremendous amount of hard work.
“They will be understandably anxious and worried about what the results mean for their future if they are not what they were expecting.
“My message is that, whatever the results slip says, their future success is very much in their own hands and they should not be downhearted at all.
“As someone who returned to education later in life, I know myself that learning is a continuous journey and you do receive setbacks along the way.”
Councillor Barbara Murray, Cabinet member for education, said: “This pandemic has caused much pain and anguish and disrupted every element of our lives, including those of students.
“If your grades are not what you hoped for, do not despair. Remember that today is not a full stop. Keep looking forward. Keep working hard. Keep achieving and your life will be full of reward.”
Jonathan Jones, Liverpool’s Director of Education, said: “Today will be a day of highs and lows. This year in education has been challenging and unimaginable for everyone but has been particularly unsettling for students who would have ordinarily been sitting exams.
“I hope the results they have achieved are what they were hoping for and deserved. But whatever the results, today need not be the defining moment.
“The focus for schools and colleges today is on making sure their students are well supported to explore all the options that are available. Staff are focusing their time and energy on supporting students to move forward and access university, apprenticeship, training and employment of their choice and reduce the impact of this most unusual situation.
“I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate these young people and their commitment to their education and their futures. No one underestimates their efforts and wishes them all the best for whatever path they choose. To all the young people receiving results: your city is proud of you.”
This year, around 1,900 students studied for A-levels in Liverpool at 30 schools and colleges.
