The A-Level results announced this week have resulted in many grades being lower than people had expected. Our excellent schools across East Worthing and Shoreham are now dealing with a number of hugely disappointed students - after so much hard work in difficult circumstances, receiving these results must have been extraordinarily distressing.
Below is the latest advice for people in this situation. I have made the point to Ministers that they should look at the algorithm again for those who have missed out on their place in further education, and also that assessed exams/mocks be the primary basis for appeal. There is also of course the specific issues faced by home-schooled students which I have also raised.
Students who have received grades lower than their centre assessed expectation should immediately contact their school or college and ask for an appeal to be submitted and talk about the possibility of sitting exams. Students who have missed the grades for their higher education offer are advised to contact their university directly even if they have received the automatic email of non-acceptance. Having spoken to the Universities Minister I know that universities have committed to be flexible and most are considering a wide variety of factors in addition to the grade awarded.
You may also wish to contact the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline for students who want advice on their next steps, including appeals and autumn exams. The helpline is free and will be open from until 28 August from 8 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week on 0800 100 900. You can also contact the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3344. You can read the full Government guidance on the results here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/your-results-what-next
