STUDENTS in South East Cornwall and all over the country have been collecting their A Level and vocational results today.

These young people are among a group that has endured the most challenges during their study – and that has achieved some record high grades.

In Liskeard, where these students are pictured in the sixth form centre this morning with head Alex Lingard and head of sixth form Nicky Hubartt, students sat a series of exams in May and June to help determine the grades they would be given.

More than 90% of the group have gained a place at their first choice university, said headteacher Alex Lingard.

"It has been another tough year for our Y13s. Yet again they have really impressed me with their courage and resilience," said Ms Hubartt.

"They have pushed themselves and worked extremely hard to achieve their results. I am delighted with how well they have done, and I wish them every success for the future."

The class of 2021 have had their two years of sixth form study disrupted by Covid, but unlike last year’s students, they avoided the anguish of the algorithm and knew that they would be awarded teacher-assessed grades. Schools were able to use mock exams, tests and coursework alongside teacher judgements to award final grades, which were moderated and externally checked.

The proportion of students obtaining the top A* and A grades has risen by 75% since the last time ‘normal’ exams were taken in 2019, and a record 44.8% of students have achieved these top grades this year. There has been talk of grade inflation, but headteachers’ leaders Geoff Barton and Paul Whiteman have said it is not fair to compare 2021 with previous years. With a record number of applications to university, combined with the high grades achieved, pressure is now on universities and colleges to allocate places.

Whether you’ve achieved higher grades than you expected, or you are disappointed in the results you’ve opened this morning, the National Careers Service is here to help with tailored advice. It runs the Exam Results Helpline which helps young people and their parents think about their next step and explore the best pathway for them. The website provides free and impartial information and advice, with professional career advisers also available to speak to via the webchat. The Exam Results Helpline is on 0800 100 900, open weekdays 8am-8pm Sat 10am-5pm.

For more results and photos from local schools look out for this week’s Cornish Times, out tomorrow.