Commenting as students today (Thurs 18 August) receive results for AS and A levels, new T Levels, and a range of level 3 vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs), Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Congratulations to all students receiving results today. They have experienced large amounts of disruption due to Covid throughout their courses and have worked hard with their schools’ support to achieve today’s results. For many students receiving results today, these will have been the first formal national exams they have ever taken. We know from our members just how resilient and tenacious pupils have been in meeting the challenges facing them.

“It is important for everyone to remember that some students and some schools will have experienced more disruption due to the pandemic than others, so results should be seen within a personalised context. That said, students should be able to feel confident this year that where those results rely on performance in exams, they have been marked and graded consistently across all centres and all students.

“It’s also important to remember that these results are not comparable with previous years. We are expecting results overall to be lower than in 2021, but higher than in pre-pandemic years. This year is a transition period following two years of significant disruption and no exams. Flexibility and understanding must be shown.

“Universities and all onward routes for training, employment and further education should take into account the realities of students’ experiences and work with them to get them on the right courses and paths for their futures. Regardless of national grade patterns, what is important is that today’s results act as a passport for students to the next stage of their education, training or employment.”