A Levels: Strong grades at Stamford Endowed Schools

Overall, 10% of entries received an A*, with 61% graded at A*-B, and 83% A*-C.

Principal of the Stamford Endowed Schools, Will Phelan, said: “Our students – along with every student in the country – have endured an incredibly stressful few months, exacerbated by the announcement on Tuesday evening. Exams often bring worry and uncertainty for students, but this year the ability to influence their own fate has largely been taken out of their hands. The fact that they have achieved such strong grades – including some remarkable individual successes – is an indicator of just how hard they worked, and the effort that they have put in, throughout their A Level studies. These results, therefore, are not just a reflection of hard work, but of their maturity, in knuckling down to study right through their courses.

“There are serious questions to ask of the process that has been used to award grades this year. 50 of our results – 9% of entries - were awarded a grade that was lower than the grade achieved at mocks. It is very rare for any student to perform better in mocks than in the actual exam, so this is an indication that the grading system has not worked as it should have done, and we will be wholeheartedly supporting these students with their appeals.

“One extremely positive result for us is the marks for both the Extended Project Qualification, passed at 77% A*-B, and BTECs, which were passed at 100% A*-B equivalent. These qualifications both focus on independent learning, which we instil in our students from the very beginning of their time with us. It is notable that both qualifications were assessed as usual this year, so these results give a reliable indication of success.

“A Levels have their place, but they do not suit everyone. Qualifications like the BTEC and the EPQ are rightly valued by employers and universities. At Stamford, we teach to the child, not to the test, and the strength of our results in these qualifications shows the positive impact of our flexible approach.

“All of our students deserve congratulations for their hard work throughout their years in Sixth Form, but even more for their outstanding attitude and contribution to life at Stamford. A Levels are the means, and not the end, and our students are well set to take their next steps in life, whether at university, apprenticeships, exciting gap years, or starting out in their careers. We wish all of our Stamfordians the very best.”