The number of students achieving the top A-level grades has gone up in Wales.
The number of pupils achieving A* to A grades is up to 29.9%, an increase on last year’s 27%.
The number of pupils achieving A* to E grades increased to 98.6% – up 1% on 2019.
Students across Wales received their A-level results this morning, despite not actually sitting the exams.
Social distancing measures mean many pupils are receiving their results by email, instead of going into school to collect their results in person.
The exams were cancelled over the summer and schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, grades have been calculated based on AS-level results, predicted grades and other criteria.
How have results been calculated?
Exams have been calculated using a range of evidence, such as AS-results and assessment grades from previous A-level work completed at school or college, as well as a “statistical standardised model”.
Assessment grades have been provided by teachers and are based on what the student was expected to achieve had they sat the exams.
The model then calculates grades that are broadly similar to grades awarded in previous years.
The model follows two main steps:
- Step one: WJEC calculated a set of grades for each school or college.
- Step two: WJEC allocated the set of grades from the school or college to individual pupils using the rank order provided by teachers.
A school or college’s previous attainment and historical data was also used to determine its grade.
Reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service
Guy Lacey, principal at Coleg Gwent, which has a campus in Crosskeys, congratulated pupils on their results and said: “We’re very proud of your hard work and achievements.
“This year group has faced challenges we’ve never experienced before with Covid-19, but as a solutions-driven college, we’ve risen to the challenge to keep learning going throughout the pandemic, and it has certainly been reflected in this year’s A-level results with our best ever A-C grades.”
Councillor Barbara Jones, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for education, congratulated students “not only on the results they’re receiving today, but also on how they have adapted to overcome recent challenges”.
Cllr Jones added: “As well as congratulating our learners, thanks should also be given to staff and parents – their support is key in helping our young people realise their potential.”
Caerphilly’s Senedd Member, Hefin David, said: “The hard work and commitment to education in Wales is evident in the results we’re seeing today.
“For those who got the results they hoped for, a huge congratulations and all the very best for your future plans. For those who didn’t, remember that opportunities remain and all of us face challenges in life at different times.
“No one has had a more difficult year in education than you. Your teachers, family and friends will be there to help you choose your next steps and if I can help, please get in touch.”
What did the education minister say?
Welsh education minister Kirsty Williams said: “As announced yesterday, we have guaranteed that a learner’s final A-level grade cannot be lower than their AS grade. Students in Wales, and prospective employers and universities across the UK, can be assured that their A-level grades reflect their work and externally assessed exams.”
Ms Williams made the announcement last night after concerns were raised that pupils had their results downgraded in Scotland.
She added: “I hope you get the grades you’d hoped for, and you can continue with your educational journey in the autumn. Although many of you will be pleased with your results and excited for your next step, if you didn’t get what you’d hoped, there’s plenty of options and advice on Working Wales.
Ms Williams said she was confident in the grading system devised by Qualifications Wales and WJEC, describing it as “fair for students and robust in what it measures and signals to employers and universities”.
She added: “However, governments in other parts of the United Kingdom have introduced changes to their systems and we must make sure that these alterations do not disadvantage Welsh students.
What did opposition parties say?
Plaid Cymru Shadow Education Minister Sian Gwenllian MS said the late announcement by Ms Williams was “an admission that the system was flawed from the off”, but welcomed the free appeals process.
Conservative shadow education minister Suzy Davies urged students receiving their results to not let Covid-19 “define your future”.
Ms Davies said: “If any pupil thinks their grade is well out of line with what they expected, they should approach the school about appealing.
“But schools should also explain how university clearing can help pupils access high quality degree courses as well.”
The Brexit Party has called on Welsh Government to let A-level students sit an optional exam in the autumn, free of charge.
Brexit Party MS Mark Reckless, who represents South Wales East, said the proposals would “maintain the integrity of the exam system” and voiced concerns “there has not been enough opportunity for students to prove their academic progress due to the disruption caused by Covid-19”.
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