Head's praise for GCSE students' efforts in "extraordinary times"
Thousands of students are picking up their results this morning following two school years disrupted by lockdown and where most have been learning from home for weeks on end.
Chris Eccles, head of school at Oakwood High School, said teachers had done all they could to keep children safe while still delivering high-quality education.
“They dedication and relentless focus on high standards, and pupils' determination, resilience and resourcefulness have been the bedrock of this year's results,” he said.
“Pupils have worked tirelessly in the face of unprecedented change and challenge.
“This years' results cannot be compared to the pre-Covid era as pupils have been assessed in a very different way and have had a very different educational experience.
“As a result, we are very proud of what they have achieved and are confident that the experience and challenges they have faced will provide them with a solid foundation for their futures.”
Wales High School head Pepe Di’Iasio also praised students and teachers for their dedication and hard work.
He said: “Over the past two years, we have seen our students take on challenges not only related to the normal course of GCSE study, but difficulties that have arisen due to the ever-changing national picture.
“Today, we celebrate how our students have worked diligently to overcome those difficulties.
“Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto further education and study, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”
Wales’ star students included Josh Lee and Simeon Jones.
Josh achieved an impressive seven grade 9s and two grade 8s and is planning to return to Wales for sixth form to study maths, further maths, physics and accounting.
Simeon gained nine grade 9s and two grade 7s and is also returning to Wales to study chemistry, maths, further maths and geography.
Also celebrating was Louis Gadd, who is delighted to have achieved the grades to begin his Public Services course at Sheffield College, with a view to joining the fire service in the future.
This year, following the cancellation of exams, grades were awarded through a process of teacher assessed grades, against a national standard and approved and awarded by the exam boards.
The government is not publishing performance data for any schools or colleges this year due to the varying impact of the pandemic.
Visit the National Careers Service website or call the Exam Results Helpline on 0800 100 900, (open weekdays 8am to 8pm; Saturday 10am to 5pm) for help and advice.