FOR THE LATEST UPDATE REGARDING AS AND A LEVEL RESULTS, PLEASE SEE - https://www.julialopez.co.uk/news/update-gcse-and-level-results 

Today, students across Hornchurch and Upminster will be receiving their A and AS-Level results, as well as results for other vocational and technical qualifications. I know that it has been such a disruptive year with the coronavirus outbreak having an unprecedented impact on teachers and students alike. Nevertheless, the government is keen to ensure that as many students as possible are able to progress onto the next stage of their lives, be that college, university, work or an apprenticeship.

Since exams were cancelled, Ofqual has developed a process that will provide a calculated grade for each student for each subject, which reflects their performance as fairly as possible. I know that nothing can be the perfect substitute for real exams, but the government’s motive is to ensure that wherever possible students receive qualifications this year which have the same value as in any other year.

I have attached at the bottom of this article a letter from the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson MP, which was sent to all MPs and outlines how Ofqual’s process and standardisation model works. However, I am pleased that the government’s provisional data shows that there will generally be no widening of the gaps in attainment between different groups of students this year.

I appreciate the anxiety and nervousness which students may be feeling at this time, and the Education Secretary has ensured there is a robust appeals process in place for those students who may not achieve the grades they were expecting. To ensure fairness for all students, the government has introduced a ‘triple lock’ which means students can accept their calculated grade, appeal to receive a valid mock result, or sit autumn exams. Schools can also appeal on the basis of process or data errors, including where schools have had a change of leadership or they have highly talented students but have not had strong results in the past.

Whatever the results students receive today, it is important that their dedication and tremendous efforts in a time of unprecedented uncertainty are valued and recognised. I know this extraordinary period has had a detrimental impact on all students, particularly those who were due to complete their courses and progress onto the next stage of their lives. I truly hope that all students get the grades they deserve having worked so hard to achieve them. 

Ofqual has published guidance online to help support young people and their families which outlines how the process works and what students’ next steps might be, including if they are unhappy with their results. This guidance can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/your-results-what-next A national Exam Results Helpline will be operating from 8am to 10pm on 13 to 28 August for young people or their parents to speak to a professionally qualified careers adviser if they need advice on their next steps. The number for this is 0800 100 900.