Students receive A and AS level results for 2021

Students across Bridgend County Borough are receiving their A and AS Level results today (Tuesday 10 August).

Schools have already contacted parents, guardians, carers and learners with details of how they will receive their results, with many schools emailing results to students directly and others opening and offering staggered time slots for students to come in and collect their results.

All schools are open and are available to offer support and advice to students where needed.

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, learners undertaking AS and A levels approved by Qualifications Wales have had their results awarded through a centre-determined grade model.

This means that grades have been awarded by schools and colleges based on an assessment of the learner’s work using a range of evidence, including non-exam assessment elements, mock-exams and classroom work.

For WJEC examinations, students were issued provisional centre-assessed grades in June along with an opportunity to appeal if they felt that there may have been an error. The approved grades are being issued today.

For vocational examinations with English examination boards, students have so far received grades per module, but not the overall grade – this is being issued today. 

Once again, information on this year’s results is being made available on an all-Wales basis as part of the longer-term Welsh Government strategy to improve standards and provision for pupils by removing narrow accountability measures.

The regulatory body Qualifications Wales anticipates an increase in grades, particularly in relation to A* and A grades, due to the different form of assessment.

Students and teachers have once again worked extremely hard in very difficult circumstances to achieve the grades that they deserve.

Instead of taking a snapshot in a high-stakes test based on one day in the summer, teachers have assessed students over time while working to the best of their abilities on a variety of tasks. As we look to develop the post-pandemic public exam system in Wales, I hope that teacher assessments will continue to be viewed as a significant, trusted part of the process.

For anyone who did not receive the grades they were hoping for, a wide range of advice, support and confidential counselling remains available, so please make sure that you speak to your school, college or Careers Wales for more information.

Councillor Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration