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Last week students across the Forest of Dean received their AS, A-level, T-level, vocational and technical qualification results.
Sitting exams can be a stressful experience at the best of times, but this cohort of students have faced a particularly unique set of challenges. They have had their education significantly disrupted by the Covid pandemic, have persevered through months of home learning and are the first students in two years to have sat public examinations.
Let me send my congratulations to Forest students on their hard-earned grades. I also wish them the best of luck with whatever they are moving onto next, be that work, an apprenticeship, college or university.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Forest of Dean’s fantastic teachers who I know, from my many visits to local schools, worked tirelessly to minimise disruption to their pupils’ education over the last two years.
I know that results day is not always a cause for celebration, and I would like to reassure those who have not done as well as they might have hoped that there are always plenty of options available. If you have found yourself in this position, please do not worry, and I would advise you to visit the ‘Looking for guidance on your next steps after exams?’ page on gov.uk for advice on what steps to take now.
It is also worth noting that the first ever cohort of T-level students have just received their results. Equivalent to three A-levels, with employer set content and opportunities for extended industry placements, these technical qualifications are designed to prepare students for work. T-level courses are on offer at Gloucestershire College and I would encourage potential students to look into whether this might be for them.
Tomorrow, students from across the Forest of Dean will receive their GCSE results. They too have had to contend with pandemic-related challenges, and I would also like to congratulate them on their hard work, wish them the best of luck for their results and send my best wishes for whatever they are moving onto next.
This article was first published in The Forester newspaper.