NASUWT comment on A-level results

Commenting on today’s A-level results, NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach, said:

“Pupils have faced an enormous amount of uncertainty and anxiety over the arrangements for receiving their A-level grades and their options if they are unhappy with their results.

“Whilst it will be appreciated that the Coronavirus pandemic has created very challenging conditions for students and for schools and colleges, last minute changes to the arrangements for this year’s awards have heightened the stress and anxiety for many young people.

“No young person’s future life chances should be compromised as a direct consequence of the decision this year to cancel examinations due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“At the centre of this latest political storm are those young people whose futures depend on their awards and the consequences of Ministerial decisions.

“Employers, together with further and higher education institutions and training providers, should be encouraged to be flexible when making recruitment and admissions decisions this year.

“Lessons will need to be learned on how best to secure a more resilient qualifications system which recognises fairly the achievements of all students next year and in future years.”