Hoping for the right results in tough times

Across Sunderland, students were waking up this morning to receive their A-Level results. We hope all of our sixth forms and colleges are filled with sounds of celebration as all of the hard work put in by our talented teenagers is rewarded with the right grades and, for many, a well-earned place at university.

It has not been the easiest of times after exams were cancelled for the second year in a row due to the pandemic. It has meant results being determined by teachers via their own in-class assessments and other measures.

It has led, in some quarters, to suggestions that some grades may be ‘inflated’ when compared to those achieved through traditional examinations.

But it should be recognised just how hard students have worked in challenging conditions. Given the disruption they have suffered at times, they do not deserve for their efforts to be devalued in any way.

Students should be able to feel that they have got the results they deserve for their endeavours and that there is no inconsistency in how grades were awarded.

So as students get to find out their grades today, we wish every success to all students across Wearside. And we hope that, in tomorrow’s paper, we are filling our pages with stories of youngsters achieving their career ambitions or setting off on a path of further education at the university they dreamed of.

Good luck to you all. It has been a far from ordinary time in any of our lives but we wish you well for your extraordinary efforts.