Today (Thu 12 Aug), as students receive their GCSE results, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, commented:

“Congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE results today - they should be proud of what they have achieved in such challenging circumstances. This would not have been possible without the school and college staff who have gone above and beyond in order to make the system fair and robust this year.

“It appears that the processes for awarding grades this summer have had a positive effect on mitigating the differential impact of the pandemic on students learning. This isn’t generosity, it was an evidence-based approach where students were only assessed on what they had been taught.

“This year’s results are based on a portfolio of evidence completed by students which has been marked, moderated and quality assured by teachers, school leaders and exam boards. This year students have been able to show what they know, understand and can do, without the high-pressure snapshot moment of an exam, where some students will always underperform.

“It is important to for the government to ensure that this cohort has access to any additional academic or pastoral support they need as they progress into the next stage of their education or training."