Commenting as students today (Thurs 18 August) receive results
for AS and A levels, new T Levels, and a range of level 3
vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs), Paul Whiteman,
general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“Congratulations to all students receiving results today. They
have experienced large amounts of disruption due to Covid
throughout their courses and have worked hard with their schools’
support to achieve today’s results. For many students receiving
results today, these will have been the first formal national
exams they have ever taken. We know from our members just how
resilient and tenacious pupils have been in meeting the
challenges facing them.
“It is important for everyone to remember that some students and
some schools will have experienced more disruption due to the
pandemic than others, so results should be seen within a
personalised context. That said, students should be able to feel
confident this year that where those results rely on performance
in exams, they have been marked and graded consistently across
all centres and all students.
“It’s also important to remember that these results are not
comparable with previous years. We are expecting results overall
to be lower than in 2021, but higher than in pre-pandemic years.
This year is a transition period following two years of
significant disruption and no exams. Flexibility and
understanding must be shown.
“Universities and all onward routes for training, employment and
further education should take into account the realities of
students’ experiences and work with them to get them on the right
courses and paths for their futures. Regardless of national grade
patterns, what is important is that today’s results act as a
passport for students to the next stage of their education,
training or employment.”
