Today (Thursday, 18 August), young individuals throughout Leeds are rejoicing in their A-level outcomes and other post-16 achievements. This occurrence marks merely the second instance when Leeds students have undertaken summer examinations since 2019.
In 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic, schools were responsible for determining grades. These grades were based on internal assessments and the body of work generated during the student’s academic pursuits.
Comparatively, grades during 2020 and 2021 surpassed those of 2019, attributable to the distinct assessment framework in place. In the prior year, examination boards established grades at an intermediate point between summer 2019 and 2021.
For this year, outcomes are anticipated to resemble those of 2019, albeit with allowances extended to accommodate the disruptions encountered by students in subjects where national performance demonstrated a decline compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Given the continuous evolution of the grading process, drawing direct parallels between this year’s results and those from previous years is an unfeasible task.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for economy, culture and education said; “I’d like to congratulate young people in the city for the results they have received today, which are the culmination of hard work, determination and application.
“I would also like to thank all the staff in our schools and colleges, who have supported them so well over a number of years by delivering high-quality teaching and learning and giving strong pastoral help when required.
“We all know how challenging the last few years have been for our young people. With exams being cancelled during the pandemic, these students did not sit GCSEs and the last formal assessments they did were when they were 11.
“They have shown resilience in the face of adversity, and I am delighted that so many have emerged with the results enabling them to go onto exciting future opportunities. I would like to wish all our young people the very best as they choose and take their next steps.
“Schools and colleges are on hand to offer additional advice and guidance, and I want to thank all those staff for the assistance they continue to provide to young people in the city as they consider what they want to do next.”
