Commenting on the publication of this year’s A-level and VTQ
results in England, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the
Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“Congratulations to students and their teachers on this year’s
A-level and VTQ results. These are demanding qualifications
requiring extensive knowledge, skill and application. Everybody
involved should be proud of what they have achieved.
“The proportion of students achieving the top A-level grades has
fallen sharply this year, not as a result of underperformance,
but because the grading system has been adjusted in the wake of
the pandemic so that the distribution of grades in England is
similar to 2019.
“This adjustment is a return to normality after the pandemic
which necessitated the use of different approaches to grading.
“Whatever the rationale, however, it will feel like a bruising
experience for many students, as well as schools and colleges
which will have seen a sharp dip in top grades compared to the
past three years.
“It is important to remember that these students also suffered
the disruption of the pandemic, and this will have impacted
particularly on those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“It is likely then that results at school or college level and
between areas will be affected by these varying circumstances and
it is important that parents, governors, politicians and
commentators understand that this year is not comparable with
2019 or any other previous year.
“Everything possible too must be done to support these students.
Universities must ensure their welfare systems provide the
emotional and academic support some will require. The government
must ensure employers are fully aware of the changes to grading
standards.
“We would urge students who are disappointed by their grades not
to panic but to talk to their teachers about the options
available to them and we wish all the young people receiving
their results today every success for the future.”
