Commenting as the Sutton Trust today (Thurs 4 Aug) publish new research looking at the impact of the pandemic on this year’s exams and university admissions cycle, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

"This year’s exam cohorts have experienced large amounts of disruption due to Covid throughout their courses. Schools have done their absolute best to prepare them well for their exams and assessments, but the ongoing issues with teacher and pupil absence due to illness have been an additional challenge to overcome.

"School leaders do feel the government could have done more to help this year’s exam students but what is important once results are awarded is that universities and all onward routes for training, employment and further education take into account the realities of students’ experiences and work with them to get them on the right path for their futures."