Youngsters deserve top marks

Every August, when the A-level and GCSE results are published, people often seek to negate the achievements of our young pupils.

Regardless of whether it was easier to get top marks this year, I think we should all pause to consider what our much maligned young people have done for us over the past 18 months.

They have stepped up to the mark without complaint. They have missed out on social lives, holidays, family gatherings – some of the golden years of their youth – in order to protect the older population from the spread of Covid.

They are concerned with the future of humanity and the planet and are trying to do something about it.

Look at the achievements of our young athletes at the

Tokyo Olympics – their resilience, self-discipline, dedication and enthusiasm have been infectious and lifted us out of the gloom.

With young people like these, we should be proud, say well done and thank you.

Let’s give them the praise they deserve for once.

Iain Walker, Leeds