To say this is a strange year for exam results is an understatement and I pay tribute to the students who have had to cope with such an upheaval: first in terms of the abrupt end to their school career, and then all the added uncertainty around the process for issuing exam results. The way they have handled all of this really has been extraordinary and just serves to underline our sense that, whatever their exam results, this group of young people are going to go out there and make a big difference in the world.
We always make mention at this stage of the very highest performing students, and this year should be no different. The following young people have performed exceptionally well and deserve huge credit:
Matthew Swann was awarded an incredible four straight A* grades, with Amber Heckstall-Smith, Lewis Hindle and Anna Turner also achieving perfection with straight A* grades in all their three subjects.
Similarly, Amelia Smith deserves a special mention for her double starred distinction in BTEC Fashion to go alongside her A* in A’ level Textiles; as does Abigail Bellass for her triple starred distinction in BTEC Sport.
In addition, the following all gained at least three A or A* grades: Marcus Mackay, Joe Cox, Jude Doherty, Elliot Nolan, David Rhodes, Finlay Williams, Cameron Green, Jada Moses, Emma Butterworth, Jade Carlin, David Evans, Eleanor Harle and Jordan Jones.
As far as the big picture is concerned, it seems inappropriate this year to provide any headline data in the way that we normally would. All I will say is that we are generally satisfied that the process set out by Ofqual seems to have been applied properly in our case and that the results we have been awarded are in line with the very strong results of previous years.
The vast majority of students have already secured places at universities or on apprenticeships of their choice for next year, and we are working really hard with everyone else to provide them with all the support they need to choose the right next steps.
Once again, many congratulations to all the students who have worked so hard over the past couple of years and absolutely deserve the success they have seen today.
Gwyn Williams
13th August 2020
