Date: 13/08/2020   |   Category - News

The WLGA has congratulated A level students in Wales on their remarkable achievements in unprecedented and challenging circumstances. The Association welcomed the Minister for Education’s confirmation that Welsh learners’ grades will be no lower than their previous AS results and that there will be a free appeals process. The late changes to the qualifications system across the UK have been unsettling and have caused confusion and concern for learners, parents and guardians. As a result, schools’ and councils’ focus today and in the coming weeks will be on the wellbeing of learners and providing advice, support and reassurance to the large number of students who will have received lower than expected grades. The WLGA will assess today’s results when the full picture is clearer, in the meantime we urge the Minister to take swift action to correct any local concerns and discrepancies.

Cllr Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Education Spokesperson said:

“We are pleased for our learners who have shown commitment and worked hard for several years and who will be receiving their A level results today. They have shown remarkable resilience in recent months and through no fault of their own, have been unable to complete their course work or sit their exams this year. This has been the most challenging of times for our school children and learners and whilst many students will be celebrating, many will be disappointed that they have not received the grades that they and their teachers were expecting.”

“This has been an unprecedented period for all involved in education, for learners, parents, schools and teaching staff and for councils and national governments. Whilst it is important that employers and universities have confidence in the qualifications system, it is more important that learners themselves have confidence and feel their efforts and their potential have been fairly recognised in their qualifications.”

“The past week has been incredibly unsettling for learners across the UK and there will be some concern and continued confusion. We welcome yesterday’s reassurance from the Minister that students will receive grades that are the same or higher than their AS levels, however, this will still mean that the results some students receive today will need to be revised upwards. Many will still be lower than they had reasonably expected, based on their mock exam performance and improvements during the past year. We therefore welcome the Minister’s confirmation of a free appeals process for all students.”

“The welfare and well-being of learners is always paramount for schools and councils and it is more important than ever that students are at the heart of every decision taken within the education system at this time. These were the core messages that I and the 22 education cabinet members raised with Qualifications Wales, WJEC and the Welsh Government during several meetings earlier this summer about the plans for awarding A levels and GCSEs. It is important therefore that we learn lessons from this experience, and with our partners from across the UK. We are especially concerned that Welsh students are not disadvantaged in relation to students from other parts of the UK, particularly when applying for university places, apprenticeships or jobs.”

-ENDS-