Sussex students celebrate as A-level grades surge to record high

The number awarded an A grade or above has risen to an all-time high after exams were cancelled for the second year in a row due to Covid-19.

Pupils were given grades determined by teachers, rather than exams, were only assessed on what they had been taught during the pandemic.

Cordelia Moore, Adam Nnadi and Max Higgs at Lewes Old Grammar School

At Brighton Girls in Montpelier Road, Brighton, 56 per cent of all grades were an A*.

Some 86 per cent of grades were A or A*, with ten students achieving straight A or A* grades.

Headteacher Rosie McColl said: “With traditional exams cancelled again this year and students often having to isolate more than once, our Year 13s – and those all around Brighton and Hove for that matter - have had to show real grit.

Best friends Sienna Thomas and Katie Irwin at Vardean

“Alongside their studies, they have had to learn how to be flexible and adaptable to change and I am incredibly proud of them.”

On Tuesday, UCAS said a record number of students had secured a place on their first-choice university course following the bumper year for results.

• READ MORE: The most inspiring Sussex stories from A-Level results day

Nearly four out of five students at Roedean School in Brighton will be taking up places at their first-choice universities, including 68 per cent at the top Russell Group institutions.

Amber Hill, Isobel Brewster and Lydia Curd at Varndean College

Oliver Blond, headmaster at the girls’ independent school, said: “It is remarkable that 16 members of this cohort spent the majority of this academic year as hybrid learners, studying remotely at home, and they have been hugely successful despite this.

“Despite Covid protocols often resulting in the students being apart, they also helped to strengthen bonds between them.”

Youngsters who missed out on the grades required to meet their offers are likely to face greater competition for a place at top institutions as there could be fewer courses on offer in clearing.

Students at Varndean College, Brighton collecting their results

More than 1,000 students at Bhasvic in Dyke Road, met their first choice, including 43 students who will go on to study at Oxford and Cambridge in September.

William Baldwin, headmaster, said 87 students did not meet their preferred offers and are being supported by the college through clearing.

He said: “Congratulations to all our students – I will never forget what the class of 2021 had to navigate.

Christopher Whitehead and Jay Taylor-Jones at Varndean College

“Remember that your results don’t define your humanity – kindness and compassion are more important qualities than grades.

“I know you have exciting futures ahead. Good luck as you embark on your varied and exciting progression routes.”

This year, teachers in England submitted their decisions on pupils’ grades after drawing on a range of evidence, including mock exams, coursework and in-class assessments using questions by exam boards.

According to an analysis by Ofqual, some 6.9 per cent of students in England were awarded three A*s this year, compared with 4.3 per cent in 2020 and 1.6 per cent in 2019.

• READ MORE: A-level results day 2021: Thousands in Sussex receive grades

Varndean College in Brighton achieved an overall pass rate of 99 per cent, with 86 per cent A* to C grades.

Subjects including French, maths, sciences and film achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.

Principal Donna-Marie Janson said: “Our students have dealt admirably with all of the uncertainty of the past two years, to the lockdowns, self-isolations and online lessons, as well as huge changes to the system of assessment, taking everything in their stride and continuing to focus."

Nationally, the proportion of entries awarded the top A* grade this year has surged to 19.1 per cent per cent compared with 14.3 per cent in 2020 and 7.8 per cent in 2019.

At Lewes Old Grammar School, Year 13s were congratulated by headmaster Robert Blewitt for their “commitment and resilience”, with 58 per cent of grades at A or A* and 78 per cent at A* to B.

Mr Blewitt said: “It never ceases to amaze me how young people, in the face of so much uncertainty and constant change, can be so focused and determined to achieve their goals.

“It has been an honour to be their headteacher and help them through this extraordinary period of time.”

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.