Thousands of students are due to find out what grades they have achieved at sixth form and college on Thursday (13 August) – despite exams and assessments being cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, schools and colleges were asked to send exam boards details of the grades they believe students were most likely to get if teaching, learning and exams had happened as planned and, within each subject, the order of students by performance for each grade.
The exam boards have standardised this information – making adjustments to grades where needed to bring consistency to teacher judgements across all schools and colleges and to ensure the results are comparable with previous years. Students or schools and colleges who are unhappy with the results will be able to lodge an appeal.
Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I'd like to wish everyone collecting A-level and other results next week the very best of luck.
“This year has been a year like no other, with not only our young people’s education but also their lives in general being temporarily put on hold because of coronavirus. Many will have been affected personally by the tragic events which have unfolded over the last few months.
“I hope they achieve the outcomes they were hoping for and are looking forward to the next stage of their learning journey, whether that is going to university or entering the world of work and training.
"In judging final grades, schools and colleges will have looked at students’ classwork and homework, their results in assignments and any mock exams, any non exam assessment or coursework they might have done, and their general progress during the course. Anyone who is unhappy with the results which are allocated will be able to lodge an appeal.
“We've seen really positive post-16 results in Wolverhampton over the last decade or so, so we’re hoping for another good set of outcomes this year which will reflect the hard work of students and their teachers in the most trying of circumstances.”
There are lots of options available for young people – whether their exam results are as they expected, are better or are not quite as good as they hoped they would be. These include going on to university – with places available through the Clearing process for students who either haven't got the required grades or who have changed their mind about the course they want to join – along with entering the world of work or becoming an apprentice.
Connexions will be providing help and support for people who have received their results and are unsure what to do next - please call 01902 554499, email connexions@wolverhampton.gov.uk or search for Connexions Wolverhampton on Facebook.
Apprenticeships are real opportunities for people of all ages who are motivated to work, enthusiastic to learn, and want to earn a competitive salary while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Leading industries and businesses are looking for the next set of dynamic apprentices to shape the future of organisations in Wolverhampton. More information about apprenticeships is available from Wolves Workbox or the national apprenticeships website.
Black Country Impact provides 1 to 1 customised support and training for young people in Wolverhampton who are aged 16-plus and not in employment, education or training. It helps them overcome the barriers that may be stopping them from finding and securing training, education or a job. For more details, please visit WorkBox.
Councillor Hardacre added: “If you haven't quite decided what to do next, don't panic – there are plenty of doors open to you, and plenty of support out there to help you make the right choice including from your college or school, Connexions Wolverhampton or Wolves Workbox.”
