A Level results day for thousands of Rotherham students

Following last year’s results fiasco, which saw exams regraded after an outcry by teachers and students, this year’s results are based on teacher assessments, with early reports suggesting a higher proportion of As and A*s handed out.

Students across Rotherham are finding out how they have done by email this morning, with many schools only open for careers and college course advice and results being dispatched remotely.

The predicted grades are based on pupils’ performance over the last two years and are assessed by schools, based on guidelines provided by exam regulator, Ofqual.

Cllr Victoria Cusworth, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “Following what has been a very challenging 18 months for our young people across the borough, it is extremely positive that we have seen this cohort of young people achieve to such a high level.

“The challenges of the global pandemic have impacted across all areas of education for this group of young people.

“They have also impacted on parents/carers, education professionals and the wider community, and this week’s achievements across A-levels and GCSEs stand as testament to the hard work of all.

“It is appropriate to recognise the absolute commitment of our schools and colleges who have continually adapted to the challenges we have faced and sought to make sure that our young people can continue to achieve to their full potential.

“Well done to all our young people who have achieved their exam results this week.

“I hope that their hard work creates the opportunity to continue on their positive pathways for their next steps in their lives; the achievements of all, in spite of the continued challenges of the pandemic, are a measure of the borough response to the pandemic. Good luck to all in the future.”

The exam performance of Rotherham schools is compared in league tables which use Progress 8, a measure introduced in 2016, to show how much progress pupils have made between the end of primary school and their GCSEs.

For the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years, there will be no published data to benchmark performance across schools in the borough against national figures.

More than 700 students at Thomas Rotherham College received their results by email – the college was not open as usual for them to be collected in person.

A TRC spokesperson said: “We are proud of the many achievements of our students. Individually and as a year group, they have overcome almost unimaginable challenges and it is testimony to their commitment and determination that so many of them have been so handsomely rewarded today.

“Thanks to the support students have received from staff across college, TRC will once again have helped secure the futures of more than 700 young people.

“In unprecedented numbers, those students will move on to universities – including the most highly-selective institutions – or into apprenticeships and work where their experiences of triumph in the face of adversity will no doubt set them on the road toward future success.”

Students who are concerned about their results or are looking for expert support and wellbeing advice, can contact called Student Space, run by Student Minds.

This provides dedicated support services, tips, tools and student stories to help pupils through their results and next steps.

To access the service, visit Results and next steps | Student Space or text ‘STUDENT’ to 85258.