School students across Cumbria are receiving their GCSE results today.
With school closures due to COVID-19 preventing exams taking place, this year’s set of results are unique.
Following widespread concern about the approach being taken nationally to determine grades, the grades that pupils are receiving today will reflect either the grade predicted for them by their school (the Centre Assessed Grade) or the grade generated through the national moderation process, whichever is higher.
The unique nature of the grading approach in 2020 means that meaningful comparisons with previous years’ county level data cannot be made. However, our young people should have confidence and be proud of their individual results, which reflect their hard work and ability.
Councillor Sue Sanderson, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, said: “Results day is always a day of excitement and high emotion, I think this year especially so given the uncertainty that pupils have had to deal with. It has been a really difficult year and I want to congratulate all our students today both for their hard work and their resilience, I hope you received the grades you wanted. I also want to thank our schools, teachers and parents who have done so much to support our young people. I know your skill, passion and care makes a huge difference.
“I hope today we can all focus on the future and the next steps that young people take after these results. I know all schools are making extra effort to have those conversations and ensure all young people have a clear path forward – whether continuing at school or moving into further education, training or work. I wish them all the best of luck.”
Judith Schafer, Executive Headteacher at Solway and Beacon Hill Community Schools and Chair of the Cumbria Association of Secondary Headteachers, said: “Head teachers and their staff across the county are working tirelessly to make sure that students receiving their GCSE results today can be confident in and proud of their achievements. The combination of centre assessed grades together with moderated grades if higher is the best possible outcome for students, and we believe represents an honest reflection of what they would have achieved had the exams taken place.
“Every results day sees a mixture of elation and disappointment, but after the chaos of the last week, today will be a positive one for students, as well as an opportunity to recognise the huge amount of diligence and professionalism staff put in to determining results. GCSEs are the key to students’ next steps and making sure destinations are secure whether in education or employment is our priority today.”
Any parents or pupils wanting further support or advice can contact Inspira or the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline:
Inspira: https://www.inspira.org.uk/careers-advice-on-results-day
National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline – The Exams Results Helpline runs from Wednesday 12 August and continues until Friday 28 August. It is available for young people, and their parents or carers looking for careers support, who can contact the helpline on 0800 100 900 from 8am to 10pm 7 days a week.
