Students across Flintshire are celebrating today as the class of 2021 receive their A Level results

Students at school based sixth forms in Flintshire are celebrating today as the class of 2021 receive their A Level results.

This year’s assessment and qualification process have been different to previous years as examinations for summer 2021 were cancelled in response to the pandemic.

A new system was designed and delivered by schools and colleges and put trust in them to draw together a range of assessment evidence on which to determine a learner’s grade.

The total number of A level entries in Wales this year was 35,867, an increase of 14.5% relative to 2020, reversing the decreasing A level entries since the summer of 2015, and resulting in an extra 4,500 A levels being awarded to Welsh learners this year.

Results for Wales show that 99.1% of learners achieved A* – E grades, up from 97.6% in 2019, with an increase at A* with 21.3% of candidates achieving this grade.

Councillor Ian Roberts, Leader of Flintshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Education and Youth, said:

“The Council warmly congratulates all the post 16 students in Flintshire on their hard work to achieve the grades that they have received this summer.”

“There has been a robust process across the system to ensure that students are awarded the qualifications they deserve and to enable them to move to the next step of their career.”

“These young people have worked exceptionally hard to respond to the challenges they have faced through COVID and I am very inspired by the resilience and dedication they have shown. They and their families should be very proud.”

“I am delighted for all of them, and wish them every success in their chosen future pathway”.

Chief Officer, Education and Youth, Claire Homard, said:

“Our learners have been able to continue with their studies over the last twelve months, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, with the support of dedicated school staff and the innovative use of learning technology.”

“I would like to express my thanks to parents and carers for the support and guidance they have given their children.”

“I would also pay testament to the commitment of our schools who have worked to ensure that they could respond to the new process this year of Centre Determined Grades. I know that our school staff will continue to provide support and advice to our learners over the next few days and weeks as they move to their new destinations. ”

“I send my congratulations to all of the Class of 2021. We wish them every success as they take on new challenges, whether that be, university, training or the world of work.”

Education Minister Jeremy Miles has praised the achievements of students all over Wales, he said:

“I hope everyone who received their grades today feels immensely proud of their remarkable achievement.

“This year has been like no other and you’ve had to make many sacrifices. You have had to deal with so much disruption to your studies over the past 18 months, but have shown tremendous resilience and determination to continue your learning. You have also played an incredibly important role in keeping your classmates, teachers and communities safe.

“While your experiences and the way in which you have been assessed have been different, the value of these qualifications is not. You can can be sure that your grades reflect your hard work throughout this year, and you fully deserve the qualifications you receive.

“Our school and college staff have also been tremendous, working incredibly hard and under a lot of pressure to deliver and mark learners’ assessments.

“The most important thing this year is that learners are able to progress to the next stage of their education, training or their work careers.

“Best of luck to you all in whatever your future holds.”